To note, I have named this series Carpe Mens Mentis “Seize the Mind” in reference to the “mind” of everything we build in electronics. It is odd how even the simplest of locomotive electronic “dumb-bots” can, at times, appear to have sophisticated sensing abilities. While this is odd to me, it is absolutely amazing to my kids.
Recently, I built a couple little 1.5v bug bots for my two kids. These are very simple “robots” who only know they have hit an obstacle when a little paperclip antenna attached to a single pole switch hits something and causes the switch to change direction. That being said, these little critters often turn out of harms way before ever hitting an obstacle. While I know that this is most likely do to irregularities in the surface the bots are rolling on, the kids are always astounded by the bots ability to “dodge traffic”. They will even fight over who has the smarter robot, and ask me why I built one better than the other. haha!
If you haven’t ever built electronic gadgets with your kids or grandkids, you should give it a shot. There are tons of easy to build projects, that you and yours will definately enjoy!
-- Location: Birmingham, AL - Stimulate this Mr. President!
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