Clementoni RoboMaker Pro is a robot making kit that introduces you to robotics and coding. It consists of four different types of play sections. First, you learn how to build five different types of intelligent robots with full instructions through their free app and then learn how to program them through 10 guided activities. You then create and program your own robots and bring the incredibly intelligent robot to life. This is suitable for aged 10 and above.
This kit comes with a cybernetic brain, 3 electric motors, 2 IR sensors, touch sensor, speaker, more than 250 interchangeable components and instructions. It requires 4 AA batteries which are not included in the kit.
If you want to know what is inside this box, why not check out Clementoni unboxing video by Professor Alessandro Bogliolo. Unfortunately, the audio is in Italian, but at least you can see the contents.
There are some plastic components which are not ready to use and you have to disassemble it from the frame. My suggestions are to disassemble everything and place them inside small dishes/ziplock bag to keep them safe. Also disassemble carefully and not leave any sharp edges on the end of the plastic components. I do find that I have to smooth the corners of many of the plastic inserts. It can get quite annoying and painful at times when you are not careful enough.
Now let’s get back to the kit itself. In order to access the full instructions and coding, you are required to download their free app via the App Store, Google Play and Amazon. Do check that you have compatible devices that support the app before you buy the kit. If you prefer not to use the instructions through the app, you can download the full illustrated instructions (in Italian language) from their website.
There are five different robots to make and each model gradually become increasingly complex starting from X1 Explorer, X2 Spider, X3 Sumobot, X4 Guardian and X5 Droid. Each robot has its own activities to learn.
The X1 Explorer allows children to program movement, speed and sound effects.
For X2 Spider, the robot plays the role of prey and it can detect the approaching predators and then flee for safety by walking backwards or vice versa, the robot can become the predator to stalk the prey.
The X3 Sumobot robot is capable of performing two completely different activities without undergoing any structural changes. With this mode, you will learn how to simultaneously manage two infrared sensors, thus further enhancing your electronic knowledge and abilities. You get to carry out line-following activities.
The X4 Guardian is equipped with a touch sensor and therefore, you will learn how to programme the sensor and you are required to make structural changes.
As usual, Mr K is very impatient and is always up for a challenge. He wants to make the most difficult robot which is the X5 Droid. This robot requires the highest number of plastic components and the only model for which all the electric and electronic components must be used and programmed.
The app will take you through the 3D instructions and there are over 352 steps for the Droid. It took us nearly three hours to build it. Occasionally I had to disassemble it and rebuild it whenever Mr K inserted the wrong components. It can be quite a chore to do so as it can be quite tricky to disassemble some of the parts and I had to resort to getting the toolbox out a few times.
The next hurdle we met was assembling the central module with the motherboard. It is clearly shown in the paper instructions (page 29) and we managed to miss out that page. So it took us a while to build it, disassemble and then rebuild as we had placed the speaker incorrectly and so on! It is always best to read through before jumping in with the build.
Finally, after hours of building, we managed to get connected with the X5-Droid via the app. Mr K went through the guided activities and within seconds he managed to figure out how to control the robot through programming. He managed to get the robot to pick up objects and do tricks!
I am so pleased that this robot got him so excited and through this, he learned to improve his programming and developer skills and experiment! This Clementoni RoboMaker Pro is available to buy from Smyths and is a great kit for older children to develop their STEM skills and many more. The play is limitless!
Watch the short Instagram clip of Mr K controlling the robot in real time: https://www.instagram.com/p/BoBiFi1nPoV/
Love to build more? Why not check out this incredible Mechanics Laboratory Grand Prix set? You can make 10 racing car models from more than 350 interchangeable components: from a Formula 1 car with a functioning steering wheel, adjustable rear spoiler and rear wheels that can be operated via a differential, through to go-karts, off-roaders and loads more! This set promotes STEM-based activities and helps in the acquisition of new skills. It is suitable for aged eight and above. We were so thrilled to have received this too and can’t wait to build it up! This set also works with the app and every purchase supports the Science Museum. It is available from Smyths at £24.99.
For more information about Clementoni products, please check out their website for details: http://www.clementoni.com/en/
Disclosure: We received the samples for the purposes of writing this review, however, all thoughts and opinions remain our own.