Thames & Kosmos Robotics Smart Machines Tracks and Treads Experiment Kit

The latest installment in the award-winning Robotics: Smart Machines line, this version by Thames & Kosmos focuses on motorized machines that make use of continuous tracks, also known as tank treads, to move themselves and other objects around. Models are controlled by programs and an ultrasound sensor, so in addition to constructing the machines, you’ll also learn how to use the included visual programming app on your tablet or smartphone to code the programs yourself!

Build a robot with two large continuous tracks that drive around and avoids obstacles in its path. The attentive tracker bot model detects your hand, moves toward it, and follows it around. Construct models of real-world smart machines, like a conveyor belt robot that carries small objects and an escalator model that carries objects up to another level. You can also assemble other fun robots including a dozer bot with a bulldozer attachment on its front end and a fire rescue robot that drives its ladder up close to other objects.

Once you understand how the technology works, you can build your own robots using the kit’s 197 building pieces and create your own programs in the programming app, which is available on iOS and Android devices (tablet or smartphone required, not included).