The Young Scientists Club–Funtastic Robotics

I was recently approached to review some cool products from the Young Scientist Club.   In the next four months, I will present you four different products offered by the Young Scientists Club for kids to do at home.  These fun products will help to discover the world of science and robotic in a fun way. 

The first product I would like to present to you today is a member of the Funtastic Robotics line of products that The Young Scientists Club offers

INFRA the robot moves when receiving an IR (Infrared) signal from any home remote control. This build-your-own robot kit is one of the products from the Funtastic Robotics series.  This series of projects that your child can do at home will introduce him/her to the exciting world of robotics.The box contains a double-sided 24 in. x 24 inches colorful instruction and activity poster as well as all the components such a computer module, motor, chassis, gears, and colorful unique shaped cover to build your robot. Detailed illustrated instructions for building the robot are included on one side of the poster and learning activities are located on the other side of the poster.  This specific product is geared for children ages 8 and up.  We also received a set of screwdrivers and batteries for the purpose of this review.

I asked my son, Jérémy, to work on this project on a greyish day.   First let me tell you that part of this robot is already build up.  What I mean by this is that the computer module, the motor and gears are already set to be used.  This project will allow your child to put all the parts together, use the screwdriver to assemble the parts and insert the electrical cables in the appropriate places.      The whole process can take 15 to 30 minutes depending of the child.    The instructions are pretty clear on the poster and it is easy to assemble.

Once the robot is assembled, it is time to test it.  For this specific product, we needed to take a remove control we had in the living room and click toward the robot.  The remote control needs to be within range for the robot to work.

Here’s how Infra reacts to the remote control.

As mentioned, the other side of the poster has activities that can be done.  You will be encouraged to calculate the speed of the robot, investigate if a different remote control will affect the mechanism of the robot,  determine if the number of remote controls will affect the result, and you will be encourage to create your own activity.  Here’s a look activities suggested for Infra.

Note that three other robotic projects are also available.  Metali the robot buzzes and lights up when metal objects are detected. Sunny moves upon receiving artificial and natural light signals.  Hurdle the robot will stop, back up, and change direction when sensing an obstacle.

In conclusion, for my son who is 12 years old, this project was easy to put together.   It would be interesting if one day Young Scientists Club decide to put together other robotic projects that a bit more complicated for older children.  The kit is very creative and encourage children to explore new areas of science from the comfort of home.  

The Young Scientist Club Funtastic Robotics kits are available on their website as well as on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

INFRA

 

Other Robots are also available.

SUNNY

 

HURDLE

 

METALI

 

Disclaimer: I received this kit for review purposes from KidStuff PR and Young Scientists Club. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.