Junkbots: Robots from Recycled Materials

Introduction

Building "junkbots" is a fun activity where you can turn recycled materials—like plastic bottles and cardboard tubes—into robots! This is a great activity for a classroom or a group of friends, because you can race your robots against each other and even make them sumo wrestle. You do not need any previous experience with robotics to build junkbots. A Science Buddies kit is available with all the electronic parts you need, including motors, batteries, and clear instructions for how to connect them. Gather up some recycled materials and get started!

Credits

Materials

• Bristlebot Robotics Kit, available from our partner Home Science Tools. The kit contains enough parts to build two junkbots, as well as two smaller robots, called bristlebots. To build one junkbot, you will need these parts from the kit:
  • AA batteries (2)
  • AA battery holder
  • Large motor
• You will also need the following supplies. These are just suggestions; you do not need to use all of them, and you can pick other materials not listed here:
  • Recycled construction materials, like plastic bottles, cardboard tubes, etcetera
  • Other construction materials, like popsicle sticks and straws
  • Various adhesives and attachment mechanisms, like clear tape, duct tape, rubber bands, zip ties, glue (a hot glue gun is helpful, but adult supervision is recommended)
  • Decorative items, like googly eyes, pipe cleaners, construction paper, glitter, crayons and markers, etcetera
  • Corks (these are pressed on to the motor shafts to make the motors vibrate)
  • Scissors (older students can use hobby knives, adult supervision recommended)
  • Small Phillips-head screwdriver