Sunbot 6-in-1

• Six robots from one kit, built one at a time
• Runs on sunlight or a strong desk lamp: no batteries
• Snap-fit parts, no glue, no soldering, one screwdriver included
• The boat really floats and paddles in a bath or pond

Sunbot is a robot building kit with one small solar panel, one geared motor and 92 snap-fit parts. The instructions show six machines: Crawler, Beetle, Paddle Boat, Windmill Car, Dog and Rover. Each one uses the same panel and motor in a different way, so after building three of them children start to see how the gearbox, cranks and wheels change what the motor does.

Real renewable energy

The panel turns sunlight straight into electricity for the motor. There is no battery, so the robot only moves when light falls on it. Put a hand over the panel and it stops. That is the clearest lesson about solar power you can give a child. A strong halogen or incandescent lamp works indoors; LED lamps are usually too weak.

Building time

Each robot takes 30 to 60 minutes for an eight-year-old, a little longer the first time. Parts snap together and come apart again, so one kit gives six projects instead of one. The Paddle Boat floats and paddles across a bath, a paddling pool or a calm pond, which is usually the favourite.

For which child

Sunbot suits children who like Lego Technic, taking things apart or asking how things work. Younger children can build with an adult. The instructions are pictures only, no reading needed.

Warning: small parts. Not suitable for children under three.

What’s in the box

• Solar panel
• Gearbox with motor
• 92 snap-fit parts
• Illustrated instructions for 6 robots

Size, materials and care

Size: 22 × 22 × 6 cm (W × D × H), 0.45 kg. Materials: Recycled ABS, Solar panel (polycrystalline), DC motor, Steel axles. Recommended age: 8 years and up.

Keep the solar panel clean and dry. Store parts in the box tray.

Safety

Tested to EN 71-1, EN 71-2, EN 71-3, CE, EN 62115 (electric toys) and CE marked. Small parts warning: not for children under 3.

Questions about Sunbot 6-in-1

Does a solar robot work indoors?

Yes, under a strong halogen or incandescent lamp held 10 to 20 cm from the panel. Most LED lamps don’t give enough of the light the panel needs. Direct sunlight works best.

What age is the Sunbot kit for?

It is labelled 8 and up. Six- and seven-year-olds can build it with an adult helping with the gearbox step.

Can you build all six robots at once?

No. There is one panel and one motor, so you build one robot, take it apart and build the next. That is part of the learning.