Hexbug VEX Robotics Construction Set - 4 in 1 Kit
© 2014 Innovation First, Inc.
2/4/2018 See the Vex V5 System Now you can snap together your own cat-sized Hexbug, providing you have a lot of patience, some batteries and plenty of time. The largest of several kits, this 4 in 1 Kit is also the most expensive. It contains sealed bags of gears, clear plastic parts, wires, motors, sensors and remotes designed to let you build four different robots: the Ant - 150+ pieces and five electronic elements; Spider - 350+ pieces and five electronic elements; Scarab - 250+ pieces and five electronic elements; and Strandbeast - 400+ pieces and seven electronic elements. There are over 650 Vex Robotics Pieces in all. The giant bugs are powered by one centralized computer block called the Brain. Our testers found the Scarab to be frustratingly difficult to build and to keep together (the parts kept falling off) and most of the time was used following the detailed instructions, step-by-step. Because the brain block does all the computing, there's not a lot left for the builder to do other than assemble, using the detailed instructions. In other words, there's fewer opportunities for higher order problem solving with this type of kit, and the parts are not designed to be used in any type of free form building, hence the lower rating. The finished products are fragile, but can be carefully driven. They look impressive, if nothing else.
$150, Smart Toy
Teaches: robotics, gears, circuits, fine motor skills
CTR Rating: 68%