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Tools/Materials:- Paper or plastic cup
- Foam tape
- Low-voltage DC motor
(4 inches of wire on contacts) - 2 AAA batteries
- Wide rubber band
- Electrical tape
- Hot-glue gun
- 3 or more thin washable markers
How to Build an Art Bot
- 1. Turn the cup upside down and layer foam tape on the bottom (which is now the top).
- 2. Stick the motor onto the tape.
- 3. Tape the batteries end to end, positive to negative, and stick them next to the motor.
- 4. Wrap a rubber band around the batteries so it covers the terminals—you'll tuck the ends of the motor's wires under the rubber band later. Make sure everything is secure.
- 5. Push a cork onto the rotating shaft of the motor. Off-center weight makes the bot shake, so hot-glue some craft supplies (beads, tongue depressor) onto the cork.
- 6. For the bot's legs, tape at least three markers around the rim of the cup, points down.
- 7. Add googly eyes, pipe cleaners, bells—whatever pleases your small person.
- 8. Place your robot on its canvas, put the wire ends under the rubber band, and watch a masterpiece unfold.
(This project is adapted from my book Robotics: Discover the Science and Technology of the Future (with 20 Projects), coming in August 2012 from Nomad Press.)
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