How to make a simple robot – A step by step guide for beginners

Building robots is not just a fun activity or a fascination for kids. It’s a great exercise to understand multiple topics of science and engineering. And that’s why even parents and teachers too, often look for ideas and step-by-step guides to make simple robots.
Sandhya found a few electronic components in Mitthu’s drawer. Mitthu is a pro and had already created many robotics and STEAM creations as part of her hobby and science project submission. But Sandhya is new to the domain.
“What are these, Mitthu?” Sandhya asked.
“They are Havi Elements and DC motors.” Mitthu replied with glittering eyes.
“What do you do with that?” A followup question came from Sandhya and conversation went on.
“I can do so many things with them. But do you know you can make a simple robot?”
“ME? A Robot? I have never learnt anything about robotics, how can I?”
“That doesn’t matter, just answer my question. Would you like to create a simple robot that moves?”
“Definitely Yes. I would love that.” Sandhya replied firmly.
“Okay… let’s start building then!” And that’s how the creation journey began and here we are presenting an easy, beginner friendly guide to build a simple robot that actually moves. This will help you understand how a motor adds motion to the machine.
So first thing first. What’s a robot? Robot is a machine that does some task by itself. And what we are going to make is a very simple robot that moves and does little jobs like art work. How to teach and explain robotics to kids? Read this blog to know in detail.
But how do robots move? What is the most basic component that enables a robot to move? The answer is: a motor. Many types of motors, combined with sensors and controllers, are used in industrial robots.
We will use a DC geared motor that comes with Havi Elements boxes like DIY Robotics Starter Kit and DIY Robotic Car Kit. This will help you understand how a motor adds motion to the machine.
How to make DIY simple robot
Things you need to make DIY Simple Robot
Elements:
Power Element – 1
Motor Element – 1
Accessories:
Wheels – 2
Geared motor(DC Motor) – 1
Powerbank with USB cable – 1
Contact us to get the elements & accessories to make this project.
Craft material
Double-sided tape
Water colors(optional)
The making: DIY simple robot
Step 1
Join both the wheels with geared motor shaft. Match the motor shaft & wheel holes while inserting.

Snap the Elements to make the circuit: Power + Motor. Connect powerbank with Power Element.

Stick the circuit over the powerbank using double-sided tape.

Now, stick the powerbank over the geared motor using double-sided tape. Connect the DC motor wire with Motor Element.

How does DIY simple robot work?
When you switch on the Power Element, the power bank passes the stored current to the Power Element. Subsequently, the Power Element transfers the current to the connected Motor Element, providing the necessary power for the rotation of the attached geared motor.
Once the DC geared motor initiates, the connected wheels begin to rotate, causing the robot to move.
To change the robot’s direction from forward to reverse, simply toggle the motor switch on the Motor Element.
You can arrange the power bank and wheel of this toy robot in a way so that one wheel remains touched to the floor while the other is slightly elevated. This configuration will make the car move in a circular direction. Feel free to contact us for further execution of the same.
Easy art activity using your DIY robot
Take a drawing sheet and drop some watercolors at various places on it. Now you can place your simple robot on the sheet. You can place multiple of your robots too. Make them move forward, reverse or spin them around. The motion will create some beautiful art work on the sheet
Fun learning: Whose DIY artist robot is better?
See how kids enjoy making art with their simple robots!
Once played enough, you can start building your next level of DIY robots using Havi Elements. Enjoy!