A few nights ago while doing some Christmas shopping, I came across the HEXBUG display at our local Toys R’ Us. Being interested in robotics and remembering that GeekDad’s own Anton Olsen works at Innovation First International, the company behind HEXBUG creatures, I took a chance on purchasing a Nano. It’s clear after getting home that I wasn’t prepared for the insane amount of fun this would be for my 3 year old and myself.
HEXBUG creatures are toys that illustrate basic robotic concepts. Most have an external sensor of some type that will alter the robot’s behavior. For example, some walking robots have antenna that will cause the robot to back up and alter it’s path when it encounters an obstacle. The genesis for the various toys are rooted in BEAM robotic design. Nano creatures are a basic vibrobot that scoot around on rubber bristles. Read Anton’s GeekDad article for more details on the Nano’s design. They can be purchased online or in store at Toys R Us and Radio Shack for around $8 and are rated for ages 3 and up.
My son’s exploration with the Nano was evolutionary. I opened the packaging and handed him the vibrobot. At first he didn’t understand what he was holding. But upon turning it over, quickly discovered the power switch. When it started vibrating in his hand, he was startled and dropped it. That’s when the fun began. Watching the Nano right itself and scoot along the floor was hilarious - especially as my son and cat chased after it simultaneously!
Deep in the Lego Forest
I then had the idea of enclosing the hexbug in a smaller area so my son could see how it bounced off walls and changed directions. At first we used a plastic container with Lego as simple obstacles. But the GeekMom began constructing a maze for the Nano using Duplos which eventually included different rooms for it to vibrate in and out of. This is where his creativity really took off! LEGO Duplos are the perfect size for this application, allowing for easy construction and alteration of the maze.
It was interesting to see how he interacted with the Nano. By altering the maze he watched intently how the robot adjusted. He’d coach it saying, “You can do it, Bristlebot!” Or he’d direct it saying, “Go that way!” The robot can’t hear or understand him however, and would just vibrate whichever way it was going to go bouncing off Duplos along the way.
But it was an application of science, of trial and error, and of discovery that hooked us both. We’ll be buying more for him and more LEGO to build even bigger mazes. It’s exciting as a parent - especially a geeky one - to see their kids get so entirely wrapped up in this stuff. I can only hope we graduate to building our own BEAM bots in the future. So if you’re looking for a similar experience with your kids this holiday season, look no further than the HEXBUG Nano.
All images by Chuck Lawton.
