Hexbug have a VEX Robotics range which is a brilliant set of STEM products that allows children to build cool robotics. Each kit comes with two alternate builds and each is fully functioning.
Today, I am showing you this sophisticated Hexcalator Ball Machine which was inspired by cutting edge medical devices and uses a hand crank to power 3 hexagonal indexing wheels to transport balls uphill where they are released onto the return ramp.
This is part of the VEX Robotics Ball Machines range which you can collect and connect them all. Batteries are not required for this set. If you would like to give it a powerful boost, you could get the VEX Robotics Motor Kit (sold separately) to turn the Hexcalator into a motorised machine! This set is suitable for aged 8 onwards. I found that this set is quite complicated to build and children will likely require help from adults especially getting the alignment right. It took us over two hours to build. Once it is built, it looks an extremely cool machine. At some point of the construction, we had to backtrack a little bit and take it apart but it wasn’t hard to remove the pieces to start all over again.
There are over 260 parts which includes eight white plastic balls and the instructions are provided. The pieces can also be rebuilt into two alternate builds: Dragonfly and Gyrocopter, but instructions for those builds can only found on the Hexbug website. You will require a printer to print these out.
Watch our video to see the time lapse of building this fully functional roller coaster for the balls!
This is an impressive set that is loved by both of my children. They love to turn the handle to get the balls rolling. It is made from good quality materials that should last a long time. This set will appeal to children with an interest in building machines. It is great value for money and I would definitely recommend it.
Here are some of VEX Robotics Ball Machines from Amazon:
- Hexcalator Ball Machine
- Screw Lift Ball Machine
- Fork Lift Ball Machine
- Hook Shot Ball Machine
- Pick + Drop Ball Machine
- Catapult
- Crossbow
Disclosure: We received the sample for the purposes of writing this review, however all thoughts and opinions remain our own. We have included Amazon affiliate links to the products. If you click on this and buy, we may earn a small commission.