Comet Robot Kit – The Self Assembly Drawing Robot and Pen Holder

Whilst by no means as complex – or as expensive – as the previously featured RoboPhilo humanoid robot, the Comet Robot Kit offers a great introduction to robotics for small children in serving both as an inspiring educational gadget as well as, once built, a great toy which will even allow you to render robotically created art work thanks to the clever and somewhat novel addition of an on-board pen holder.

The two wheeled Comet Robot is operated by 2 AA batteries driving a 1.9v DC motor which will react to sound thanks to an integral microphone – for instance, clapping your hands (very much like the previously featured Hex Bugs) will result in the Comet changing direction.

Unlike the Hex Bugs, however – which come already assembled – the Comet, in coming in kit form, will not only serve as a great toy but as a educational tool with which children can gain an initial, albeit low level, familiarity with robotics and electronics but what really seals it for us is the aforementioned integral pen holder which will allow you to drop in a pen and then control the Comet as it scuttles around on a sheet of paper (just don’t expect to produce any masterpieces).

Alternatively, of course, the Comet could be utilised as a robotic pen holder no doubt resulting in some fairly amusing office antics.

The Comet Robot Kit retails for $49.95 (approximately £25 / €35) however, if you’re looking for a child friendly introduction to robotics you may also be interested in the previously featured BEAM Bot Club offering three self build robots of varying complexity on a 3 month subscription basis.