BristleBot Model 1

Target Audience

• Children (age 8-14)

  

  BristleBot Model 1

• Adults (parents/guardians)
  • Who would accompany the children to replicate this model

Starting Point

• Get a feel for visual conception through this Youtube Tutorial Video
  • This helps to capture an image of a generic BristleBot Model
• Derive the features for the BristleBot from |Hexbugs

Replication Goal

• Instead of copying the Youtube Bristlebot, remodel its structure and design based upon the listed materials
  • Be creative to gain children's attention and their interests in making this bristlebot
• Like nano hexbugs, the replicated model must move as well
  • The vibration caused by the model allows the Bristlebot to move in a direction
  • Angle the brush/base so that the model moves forward; not in a loop of random directions

Materials

• Three 2.5-3 in. nails
• $1 material's motor
• $1 material's brush
• Double-sided foam tapes
• Wires (from the carjack)
• Battery Cell 2072 (Originally used before it died and replaced with AA)

Procedure: BristleBot Model 1

• 
  1. Gather the listed Materials
• 
  2. Nails are attached in the tri-pod shape with the double-sided foam tapes
• 
  3. Wires from the CarJack are used
• 
  4. Wires are being attached into the Motor compartment
• 
  5. The Motor and Brush are attached with the Double-Sided Foam Tapes
• 
  6. The counterweights and the battery cell are attached to the BristleBot

BristleBot 1 Testing

• The demonstration of the BristleBot 1
  • Due to short-lived battery-cell life, it had been replaced with bigger, much heavier AA battery

Pro(s)

• Assembly style to create this model
  • Each compartment could be replicated by young children by simply stacking each layer on top of each other
    • Bottom = Toothbrush
    • Middle = Motor
    • Top = Counterbalance weight (The nails)
• Resembles the image of a helicopter
  • Kids tend to like real-life object that can only be seen in TV or virtual world (like video gaming)

Con(s)

• Exposure of vibrator
  • As the vibrator spins to cause movement, children's hair (especially girls') could be rolled up
  • Such example can be found here:
• Sharp nails are required for this model
  • It's still dangerous for young kids to build with, even with adults' assistance
• Battery life is incredibly short when 'properly-sized' battery cell is used
  • This could be countered with AA battery but, as shown in the Testing video, the model had a balance/stability issue
  • Doesn't go 'forward' but rather falls immediately after the motor activation
• There is no 'real switch'
  • Tape that is attached onto the free-floating wire doesn't stay attached to the battery to cause movment
  • The 'attached' tape immediately falls off or inadequately stays attached as seen in the Testing video