subject: Rise Of The Robot Kits [print this page] While many people would site the TV show Robot Wars as the instigator for the popularity of amateur robotics around the globe, people have actually been attempting to create robots to perform all manner of functions for over a century. Indeed, in all probability it was legendary inventor Nicola Tesla who created the first remote controlled Robot back in 1898, and although robotic technology moved relatively slowly over the next few decades, the post-war years led to an increased focus on the applications robotics could bring to the manufacturing industries. Now robots are used in industry for all sorts of functions, and their increased popularity has led to a reduction in the cost of components and robotic technologies.
Indeed, the presence of robots in industry has been the very thing that has allowed them to thrive. The reduction manufacturing costs that robots have enabled has meant that the cost of electronic equipment has lowered significantly. Nowadays technology that would have been beyond the reach of all but the most wealthy corporations and researchers is now easily within the budget of the man (or woman) on the street.
This new reality has led to a boom in the number of amateur engineers and hobbyists becoming involved in the world of robotics (although it would also be churlish to deny that the aforementioned Robot Wars didnt also play a big part). Its now incredibly simple for anyone with a passing interest in electronics to source the materials to create their own electronic devices, and one of the best (and most fun) ways to enter this world is through robot kits. Robot kits of all types and complexities are readily available for purchase online (http://proto-pic.co.uk/categories/Robotics/ is a good place to start) so whether youre getting ready to build your first basic robot or want to create and all singing all dancing robot servant, youll be able to find a kit that will capture your imagination.
Even if youve never tried to build a robot before, youll find that creating one using a robot kit is incredibly simple. Whats particularly exciting thing about these kits is that you dont have to have any real knowledge of electronics to build one youll find that you learn the electronic principles behind your robots operation incredibly quickly. Electronics, and robot building in particular, has a very steep learning curve, so once youve built your first basic robot, you can easily apply the principles youve absorbed to more complex creations.
If youre a parent whose child has an interest in robotics or electronics, a robot kit is the perfect way to encourage their passion. Because robot kits are extremely cheap to buy (they start from around ten pounds) theyre also a low cost hobby for your child to get involved in - much cheaper than computer games, and just as much fun. Robot building is also very educational a child who is capable of building a robot will have no problem sailing through a physics exam, and building a robot kit together is also a great way to bond, whilst the experience of having created your own working robot is incredibly rewarding.
