The LittleBot’s page say: “Every inventor has a story from their childhood where they ruined their Mom’s vacuum cleaner or their own toys trying to ‘Find out how it worked.'” I can attest to that fact and it’s likely most of the people reading this can too. The reality is that when young inventors take apart appliances just to learn how things work it can get expensive. The LittleBot robot has been created to encourage that sort of exploration as a robot that can be easily assembled and disassembled.
As shown in its video, it—along with the included gripper—can be remote controlled with a Bluetooth app, or can wander around autonomously, avoiding obstacles with an ultrasonic sensor. Even more exciting, is that since the ‘bot is 3D-printed and Arduino-based, young (or old) inventors can create new modifications and expansions for it, such as allowing it to do line or wall following tasks, or adding new aesthetic accessories.
On a visual note, the brightly printed cubic body of the device looks particularly inviting. With a smiling expression, including ultrasonic sensors positioned to look like eyes, it would be a great way to introduce those that are initially less-than-excited about the concept of robotics to this fun hobby and/or profession!
