Meccanoid Building System
© 2015 Spin Master Inc.
Watch out LEGO Mindstorms; The Meccanoid Building System is coming to get you. Coming August 2015, the open source, open-ended robotic building platform can be used to create many different things. But the hallmark project is a self-propelled 4 foot high robot that can talk, roll around, listen and mimmic movements. According to Spin Master, you'll be able to purchase the kit by the foot -- in increments of $100. The biggest kit, called Meccanoid G15 KS (costing $400) will give you everything you need to make the hallmark Meccano Robot. Features include the ability to control the robot remotely by way of a tablet or smart phone. There's voice recognition, with 100 commands, plus a set of jokes. The computer has 64 MB of storage and can remember your birthday. It can be updated with a micro USB, and the wiring system is Arduino friendly, in case you want to hack into the system. You can also 3D print your own parts. When in the Meccano configuration, there are twelve personality modes; plus an autonomous personality that responds to the environment. The system uses a rechargeable Ni-MH battery and Dual 6-amp motor drivers. The Bluetooth technology works with iOS and Android devices. The $400 kit will include eight "Smart" servos capable of bi-directional communication (called LIM Programming), polycarbonate construction plates with screws that are compatible with classic Meccano construction system LED eyes and more. Invented in England by Frank Hornby in 1901, Meccano was conceived as a model-construction system, based on the principles of mechanical engineering. Adhering to a “Mechanics Made Easy” ethos, the sets comprised of re-usable metal strips, plates, wheels, axles and gears, with nuts and bolts to connect the pieces. The kit was known as Erector Sets in the United States. The Meccano brand was purchased by Spin Master. Meccano/Erector sets are currently sold in more than 50 countries.
$100400, Smart Toy
Teaches: Robotics, STEM, science technology, motors, creativity, construction, fine motor skills