Trossen Robotics is offering a great way to easily and cheaply build a combat robot. This really is an amazing deal that for under 200 bucks you can have a fully funtional RC robot with spare channels for your own weapons.  This ought to open up the field to a lot more combat robots.  I’m excited to see the next battle after these robots have been available for awhile!

From Trossen:

The Viper kit comes with everything you need to get started in combat robotics. The custom-formed aluminum chassis has plenty of strength and space for additional components and upgrades. A 6-Channel radio transmitter and receiver pair leaves four channels free to add any active weapons or devices you desire. 50:1 ratio gearmotors with 2″ Lite Flite wheels provide both speed and pushing power. Two FingerTech ‘tinyESC’ speed controllers translate the radio receiver commands into motor movement and provide 5V power to the radio. A sporty vacuum-formed lid keeps all the guts inside during a match. The Viper kit is fully intended to be sawed, drilled, modified, and upgraded. Its base weight is only 325grams (11.46oz) leaving 129grams (4.55oz) for additional parts if entering the Antweight (1lb) weight class, or 675g (23.81oz) free if entering the Kilobot (1kg) weight class. (Weighed with 2x 9V batteries.)

Difficulty: Unassembled version requires soldering of a dozen wires (to motors and switch, no circuit boards), plugging in connectors, and screwing wheels and lid in place (hex keys included). Recommended for ages 10+ (6+ with a parent).
“Unassembled” comes as parts. Everything is drilled and tapped for screws but needs to be soldered and connected (includes instructions).

More technical information and details can be found on their website here.

If you create a cool robot project with this kit, please considering adding your project details and a photo at our Robot Gallery.

School’s Out!  Well, close enough.

Either way, you can take advantage of the end of school sale at Trossen Robotics.  Right now they’re giving 10% off everything they stock. Perty cool! I’m glad I’ve been saving my milk money. Time to get myself an updated robot.

If you’ve been doing your homework (sorry for all the puns), that 10% off works out to $120 savings on the Bioloid Premium kit. If you’ve been waiting for a good time to buy this amazing humanoid bot, now’s a great time.

Be sure to remember the Trossen Robotics coupon code SCULZOUT10 and march on over to Trossen Robotics for your end of school deal.

Don’t wait too long to decide, this sale ends on 5/21/2010!

Let the summer begin! W00t!

The niche website RoboticsToys.com (Strangely similarly named to our website Robotics-Toys.com) has been closed by Trossen Robotics as of today due to the cost of maintaining two sites and their desire “to focus more on their core strengths which are hobby, educational & research level robotics”. They will be missed.

They continue to maintain their primary site here and still offer the same great products.

There has been a great deal of interest in robotics toys lately and this is due in part to the lowered cost of technology manufacturing and the design of great products from companies like LEGO, WowWee, and Innovation First.  The FIRST robotics competitions are also driving an interest for kids who want to get into technology and robotics.

It seems like the time is right for anyone interested in robotics toys to get started.