The Old Robots Web Site

A parenting tip for those with geeky kids:

You can get some of these (like the smaller TOMY robots) for pretty cheap on eBay. They're usually broken, but the innards of these robots are so interesting, just taking them apart is a learning experience. TOMY was brilliant at making seemingly sophisticated toys that were actually run by a single DC motor; all the movements, sounds, sensing etc. were implemented using gears and cam shafts and other mechanisms. A great way to learn about simple machines, and a bonus if you (or your kid) can repair them and bring a 40-year-old robot back to life.

I recently bought a complete-in-box Radio Shack Armatron for $15, and I was super excited to have such a complete piece of history. I checked eBay out of curiosity, and was surprised by how cheap it was. I could have bought one any time, for not too much more.