Today’s product is a fun robotics kit mainly for kids, but that doesn’t stop us adults from having fun too right. This is the WitBlox Robotics Kit and let’s check it out.
This is the WitBlox, a Robotics Learning Kit designed by the Alumni from IIT Mumbai. I always like well-designed boxes and this one doesn’t disappoint.
10 ready to make projects, and with a whole lot of projects available online via the app.
Arduino compatible, which is cool, I must check that out too.
Basically, this kit makes robotics easy for everyone, and also fun. You can customize the side with your child’s name before gifting it to them, a nice personal touch.
These kits are part of the STEM approach, helping kids learn and develop interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
On the back we can see the available projects and also the contents of the box.
Price on the box is Rs 2,999 but you can get the same on Amazon for Rs 2,499.
So, without taking any more of your time let’s get into the box and see what we get.
There’s a seal on this side and a rubber band which holds the top flap in place. Once removed, we have access to the inside of the box.
We first have a warranty card and a manual.
This pack is one of the projects you can build, a robotic car. The parts are made of thick foam, so light and flexible.
The second project is a Smart Study lamp. Nice.
WitBlox do have an app, which has all the necessary steps to build this project and access to more projects. The manual also has pictorial instructions on how to build the projects included.
We have a badge with Witblox maker on it, this will really pique the interest of kids.
In the hardware department we have 2 wheels, a battery, witblox maker badge, double sided tape,
the blox modules, like distance sensor, castor wheel, power connector, motors.
So, let’s build something shall we?
I’m going to build the robot car as that stands out to me more than the smart light.
The projects are separately packed and here we have the robot car. Opening it up we have a foam sheet, with the parts necessary marked and cut out for easy separation. Nothing else is present in the pack.
The building instructions are in the main manual.
One side of the foam does feel a bit stiffer, maybe to give it more strength. All the necessary cut-outs are provided, just push through and they pop out. Even the internal holes need to be opened up.
I have the base and the top ready,
motor mounts installed.
These are the motors, each motor has a motor driver. Just separate them and here they are.
This is a motor mount and make sure to follow the instruction on the direction the motor needs to be installed.
Here’s where the manual and even the online videos are not very detailed.
You need to get these bolts out of the screw pack to install the motors onto the foam.
Mount the motors onto the foam, both of them.
Attach the top and bottom pieces.
Add the bumpers and spoiler ,as this is a racing car.
Now for the castor wheel at the bottom.
Install the power block with the motor drivers, make sure to align the connectors and the names of the block are facing you. I’ve stuck them with the provided double sided tape.
Add the wheels to the motors, and looks like it’s done, let’s insert the battery and power it on.
Just stuffing the battery in the area between the top and bottom, it’s made to fit there perfectly.
Power on and it just zips across.
The power block supplies the motor drivers the power and moves the robot car forward.
Nice, there are a lot of variations available in the manual, so change accordingly and you get a completely new robot.
We also have simple electric circuits showcased in the manual , such as a flash light and more.
So, what I liked about this kit, easy to put together, the parts won’t hurt kids when they’re putting it together.
Cons:
No concrete instructions, the projects are not that complex for adults, but for a kid they will need more hand holding. The pictures don’t always match the items in the box and the online instructions were of a different model. The castor wheel for instance, it looks nothing like the one provided. And nothing indicates that I have to screw the bolts in in this section as it looks similar to the screw’s present on the motor.
But overall, the kit is easy to put together, and a really novel way of getting kids into electronics and robotics.
Oh, and we have a coupon code “TALKINGSTUFF20” to avail a 20% discount on the WitBlox Website –https://witblox.com/shop/
Looking forward to more innovative kits from them.
