Making Art With Keycap Bots

Robots come in all shapes and sizes, from remote landers on distant planets to assembly arms working hard in auto plants. Of course, the definition is broad and can contain more frivolous entities, too. [smdavee]’s watercoloring ‘bots may not be particularly complex or sentient, but they’re a fun creative build.

The design is akin to that of the BristleBot, with a pager vibration motor allowing the ‘bot to wobble about on unsteady feet. In this case, a keyboard cap is used, with cottontips inserted in the base to act as legs. These are then dipped in watercolor paints, and the attached motor is then switched on to vibrate the ‘bot around the page.

It’s an easy build, and one that would be particularly well-suited to teaching young children basic electronic concepts. Plus, there’s the added fun of getting to make a mess with watercolors, too. If you’ve got a fun art robot hiding away in your garage, be sure to let us know. Video after the break.

9 thoughts on “Making Art With Keycap Bots

    1. cuz it’s fun. people may be inspired to do this themselves, maybe with their kids. you clicked, didn’t you? if you don’t like it, cancel your subscription.

    1. This makes me so happy to hear! I’ve been developing materials and provocations for these types of simple bots in collaboration with all ages, but especially 3-5 year olds most recently. In my post for this project, you’ll see some of the other materials my preschool, k-12, and adult tinkering students have used. Please share your daughter’s creation(s) if you like! I’d love to see them :)
      https://www.instructables.com/id/Keyboard-Cap-Micro-Watercolor-Bots/

Leave a Reply

Please be kind and respectful to help make the comments section excellent. (Comment Policy)

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.