Robot Kits without Soldering

Tamiya Robot Kits

Tamiya is a Japanese company that makes a wide range of high-quality, affordable, beginner-level robot kits. These kits are easy to assemble and require no soldering.

This line consists of robots with unique movements created by motor-driven gearboxes, crank plates, and linkage rods. Transparent plastic bodies and gearbox cases make it easy to watch the mechanics of the system in action, providing a fun and educational experience. Assembly of these kits is as simple as screwing and snapping parts together.

Pololu part #: 81
Price: $49.95

iBOTZ MR-1002 Antoid

The iBOTZ Antoid is a unique, beginner-level robot kit that features one of the most basic functions found in autonomous robots: obstacle detection. Powered by two DC motors, the Antoid walks on six legs and avoids bumping into objects by detecting them with an infrared sensor. The robot walks forward until it detects an obstacle, at which point it backs up and turns before resuming its forward gait.

On sale!
Pololu part #: 82
Price: $34.94 ~~$36.45~~

iBOTZ MR-1004 Hydrazoid

The iBOTZ Hydrazoid is a good beginner robot kit that features the basic robotic action of sound detection. The Hydrazoid robot has four spindly legs and fiber-optic antennas that give this sound-detecting robot a unique, extra-terrestrial look. When the Hydrazoid "hears" a sound with its condenser microphone, its single DC motor activates, and the robot walks forward for about 12 seconds and then stops until it hears another sound.

Pololu part #: 83
Price: $54.95

iBOTZ MR-1005 Tribotz

The iBOTZ Tribotz is a great introductory robot kit that performs three basic robotic functions: line-following, sound sensing, and obstacle avoidance.

New!
Pololu part #: 80
Price: $29.95

iBOTZ MR-1001 Soundtracker

The iBOTZ Soundtracker is an autonomous robot that explores its environment with a condenser microphone. If it makes contact with an obstacle or hears a loud noise, it will briefly reverse course and then begin driving again in a new direction.

On sale!
Pololu part #: 98
Price: $299.00 ~~$359.00~~

Joinmax Digital Hexapod Monster

This excellent kit from Joinmax Digital includes all of the components you need to create a six-legged, walking robot. Each of the six legs has two degrees of freedom provided by a lifting servo and a forward/backward rotating servo. In addition to the twelve actuators for the legs, there are three more servos for a swiveling gripper and even a tail, bringing the total number of servos in this kit to fifteen!

Pololu part #: 96
Price: $230.00

Joinmax Digital Quadruped

This excellent quadruped robot kit includes all of the components you need to build your own four-legged, walking robot. Each leg has two degrees of freedom provided by a lifting servo and a forward/backward rotating servo. Eight servos provide enough degrees of freedom for you to explore various four-legged walking gaits and motions; make it scamper across the floor, turn in circles, or do a victory dance.

On sale!
Pololu part #: 95
Price: $329.00 ~~$390.00~~

Joinmax Digital Robot Dog

This robotic dog kit includes all of the components you need to build your own robot dog. In total, this robot has 15 degrees of freedom: the three degrees of freedom in each leg allow you to create life-like gaits, the tail has one degree of freedom for ample wagging, and the neck can rotate and nod up and down to really bring the robot to life.

On sale!
Pololu part #: 97
Price: $225.00 ~~$240.00~~

Joinmax Digital Smart Arm

This robotic arm kit includes all of the components you need to build your own robot arm. Seven servos provide six degrees of freedom, allowing you to explore countless robotic arm movements. The arm has a swiveling base, shoulder with two lifting servos, elbow, wrist, rotating gripper, and pincers that open and close.

New!
Pololu part #: 319
Price: $39.95

OWI MV-979 Moon Walker II

When assembled, the Moon Walker II uses a phototransistor to sense changes in light (such as turning on a lamp) and a condenser microphone to sense changes in sound (such as clapping). It converts those stimuli into electronic signals to power a motor, and walks forward for a preset time. The sensors can be adjusted for different sensitivity levels.

Pololu part #: 317
Price: $23.95

OWI-9870 Jungle Robot

The OWI Jungle Robot is an excellent beginner-level robot kit that you can build in two ways: you can make a robotic orangutan that climbs a rope, hand-over-hand, or you can build a robotic gorilla that walks on two arms. The robotic ape starts climbing or walking when its sound sensor detects a loud sound.

Pololu part #: 318
Price: $24.95

OWI-9910 Weasel

The OWI Weasel Robot is a great begginer-level robot kit that teaches you about two of the most basic robotic actions: wall hugging and line following.

New!
Pololu part #: 326
Price: $59.95

OWI 9742 Comet

Its snail-like design may give a lethargic impression, but contrary to first impression, Comet is quick to respond and scurries speedily on command. A condenser microphone and a printed circuit board control this OWIKIT. Each time its sound sensor hears your command, it reacts; clap your hands or make any other loud sound to control it.

Pololu part #: 325
Price: $85.00

OWI 007 Robotic Arm Trainer

The OWI Robotic Arm Trainer is a good introductory kit, requiring only a screwdriver to assemble. The kit is complete with five pre-assembled gearboxes and a wired controller that allow you to control the opening and closing of the gripper, rotation of the wrist, movement of the elbow and shoulder, and rotation of the arm on its base. The completed arm can lift up to approximately 4.6 ounces (130 grams).