Thames and Kosmos Robotics Smart Machines: Rovers & Vehicles

• Robotics Smart Machines: Rovers & Vehicles by Thames and Kosmos
• Offers to build eight motorized machines
• Programs using an easy, visual programming app
• Provides a full-color, 64-page step-by-step illustrated manual
• Build your own robots using 233 building pieces
• Runs on 3 x AA batteries (Not Included)
• Age: 8+

The Thames and Kosmos Robotics Smart Machines: Rovers & Vehicles gives kids a simple, fun, and customizable introduction to robotics that lets them build eight motorized machines controlled by programs and an ultrasound sensor.

Kids code the programs using an easy, visual programming app on a tablet or smartphone, which connects to the robot models via a wireless Bluetooth connection.

The ultrasonic sensor works on the same principle as sonar. It sends out sound waves, which bounce off objects. The sensor interprets the echoes returning to it, and from this detects objects in the path of the sensor.

Using the app interface, you can program the robots you build to behave based on the feedback coming from the ultrasound sensor.

Build a shy turtle robot that drives around and quickly avoids obstacles in its path. The friendly rover bot model first looks around for your hand and, once detected, moves toward it and follows it around.

Construct an awesome desert explorer robot with wheels on legs; first, it drives around, but when it detects an object in its range, it starts “walking” slowly toward it.

Experiment with altering the program of your cute dancing robot so that the robot dances to the beat of a song you play for it.

Set up an obstacle course and watch the scout rover use its ultrasonic sensor to navigate around the obstacles. A cool helicopter model spins its rotors and then raises its landing gear when you lift it off the tabletop.