101 in 1001 - Build A Robot

Manfried Mantis the Robot

Previously, I wrote that my friend Miseria very kindly shared some of their mochi and daifuku with me for another 101 in 1001 challenge. Having seen my list, the same friend also gave me a "build your own robot kit" as a present to help with the goal:

055. Build a robot.

mBot from Makeblock.
It says STEM on the box, but neither cells nor Ruvik were included.

Before you ask, yes, this is a kit designed for children, but it's a robot nonetheless! Also, you can get various add-ons to the initial bot if you want to, which allows for a greater array of programming to be entered. But before any of that can happen, you have to put it together...

Robot "Brain" (Circuit Board) and
Chassis

All Other Parts, Including Connectors,
Screws, Bolts, and Screwdriver/Hexkey

The kit comes with an instruction manual that is laid out much in the same way as a Lego kit: pictorial diagrams with numbered arrows and minimal explanatory text. This is clear and simple and works very well. 

Everything is in its own packet and, while that might seem excessive, some things need to be in anti-static packaging and the screws need to be differentiated from each other. Also, though the packets aren't labelled, it's obvious from the images and measurements which item you're supposed to be using where. 

The Chassis with the Right  Left Motors Attached

Everything needs to be secured using either screws or bolts with a screwdriver (provided) that doubles as a hex key or your hands. The whole thing fits together very well, but spare pieces are provided, just in case anything does go wrong or go missing (the pieces are quite small if you're an adult!).

The Bot and the Remote

You're given the option of powering your bot with either one lithium battery, or four AA batteries during construction, but you can change this later quite easily. I opted for the AA batteries as I didn't have a lithium battery lying around at the time and the batteries aren't included in the kit. 

Once your bot is all put together, it's already able to produce sounds, has lights, and has sensors that let it to follow lines and detect objects. The remote control provided allows you to choose different options (explained in the instruction manual). Be aware, the remote control also needs a certain size of button cell battery.

Manfried Mantis, the mBot♥

Above is a photo of my completed mBot. I have gendered him male, because I decided to name him Manfried Mantis, due to the M on each of his sides. Manfried is a name, but also means "peaceful" and the Mantis part is not only from the fascinating insects of the mantid family, but also Psycho Mantis and Screaming Mantis too. I enjoyed this very much. :)