What's the Best Way To Build Your Own Robot?

Robot Menu

So you're going to build your own robot? Excellent! There's lots of ways to get yourself a robotica masterpiece together, that would make Asimov himself proud.

Whether you want to create a full out battlebot, or a simple lego andriod, this quick guide will help.

Using Cardboard

This is obviously the cheapest way to make your own robo. Of course this is really aimed at younger children. I used to make my own robots out of cardboard, pop bottles, string and any other bit of junk I could get my hands on.

There'll be a guide coming soon to making your own robot from card. But this is a lot of fun, and the kids will love it.

Rated: ****

Any Old Iron!

When we appeared on Robot Wars, our creation (and all the other battle bots) were made from welded metal and things we'd picked up from the scrap heap. I can't imagine many people wanting or needing to take over the whole of the garage with a huge hunk of metal. Scrap is also cumbersome and hard to work with. You can learn far more about robots from smaller scale, less dangerous materials.

Rated: **

Lego could have been made for this...

Lego is excellent material for making robots. Whether you're doing it to create something visual, or you are going to use some lego motor kits to add some power and functionality to your robotic subject, it shouldn't be hard for you to get into with the thousands of pieces available. Check out the toy stores and you'll find ample materials to build your robot. There's also the specialist Mindstorm kit too.

Rated: ****

Mechano

If anyone has got some mechano lying around, you can use it to great effect to make your own robot. Although it will have a rather retro, clunky look to it, there's a lot to be learnt about joints, movement and robot construction using this system. I've even seen some people who made a robotarm from various mechano parts, complete with motor. Or you could try for a simple wheel-based creation.

Rated: ***

Robot Kits

If you can afford to splash out on one of the pre-made specialist robot kits, you'll have the best method for making your own driod. Hobby Tron do a great range of these kinds of kits and you can get them to suit any level. There are kits available in both soldering and non-soldering (both are great fun but the non-soldering is obviously easier to start with). Not the cheapest option, but definitely the best.

Rated: *****