Advice for "first" robot kit...

[gutierrezfam]

Hi all,

I'm new to all of this, so I'd really appreciate your advice... I'm looking for a kit that meets the following general:

* Suitable for a 12-year-old
* Price range round $300
* Upgradeable (from "beginner" kit to capable of building a humanoid robot)
* Don't know what else to ask, at this point.

I've read good things about the Vex Starter Kit, Robotis Bioloid Beginner Kit, and Lego Mindstorm NXT.

Naturally, I'm looking for what's considered the "best" for the price, and I totally expect different opinions back from you guys. Anyway, your recommendations are much appreciated. Thanks.

[JonHylands]

Well, the NXT lets you build a fairly primitive humanoid right off the bat. The Bioloid kit is my personal favourite, and you can build some pretty cool robots from it. You can also upgrade the beginner kit with new servos and even a full bracket kit (from CrustCrawler (http://www.crustcrawler.com)).

I don't think the Vex has any kind of upgrade path to a humanoid robot, but I could be wrong...

- Jon

[HarryBotter]

Although I generally echo Jon's comments I should also point out the BRAT from Lynxmotion as meeting your criteria.

http://www.lynxmotion.com/Category.aspx?CategoryID=97

Both the BRAT and the Bioloid kit have been reviewed in this magazine and videos of both can be found in this forum. There is also a short photoessay on the BRAT on the Robot website.

http://www.botmag.com/articles/brat_photoessay.shtml

Harry

[gutierrezfam]

Thanks for your response, guys.

I looked at the BRAT, and although it does meet the criteria, it seems like it contains less parts than the Bioloid Beginner Kit (except it does have one extra servo)... so it seems like you couldn't have the 14 different configurations that the Bioloid Beginner Kit offers. Aesthetically, it's not as nice as the Bioloid either.

The Lego NXT looks nice, includes easy to use s/w (runs on a mac, which is what we use), but it just seems a little toy-like (not surprisingly). I'm also not very fond of the wires protruding so much. I don't doubt it's a good machine, but I'm just not too sure...

Based on the Bioloid's review on Robot Mag and those on this forum, I'm leaning towards the Bioloid at this time.

I'm still open to suggestions, but thanks to both of you for your input so far!

-- Daly

[zanthor]

As a first impression to Lego Mindstorms, they do seem very much like a toy. However, I own five total kits: three RIS and two NXT. If you take a look around at some of the inventions made by notable builders such as Mario Ferrari I think you might be surprised at some of the amazing things you can build with the kit. However, if you are looking for something more robotic I might suggest the older kit (RCX) as it tends to encourage the use of gears more then the new kits. Personally, I think that it would suit a twelve-year old well as that is around the age I got my first kit and has made me love robotics. On another note, Lego Mindstorms are pretty cheap when compared to some other robotic kits and easily expandable.

--Zanthor

[hands]

actualy the BRAT is an incredible robot but might be hard for a 12 year old