BristleBot Model 1

Target Audience

 * Children (age 8-14) FinalProductforBristleBot.jpeg
 * Adults (parents/guardians)
 * Who would accompany the children to replicate this model

Starting Point

 * Get a feel for visual conception through this | Youtube Tutorial Video
 * This helps to capture an image of a generic BristleBot Model
 * Derive the features for the BristleBot from |Hexbugs

Replication Goal

 * Instead of copying the Youtube Bristlebot, remodel its structure and design based upon the listed materials
 * Be creative to gain children's attention and their interests in making this bristlebot
 * Like nano hexbugs, the replicated model must move as well
 * The vibration caused by the model allows the Bristlebot to move in a direction
 * Angle the brush/base so that the model moves forward; not in a loop of random directions

Materials

 * Three 2.5-3 in. nails
 * $1 material's motor
 * $1 material's brush
 * Double-sided foam tapes
 * Wires (from the carjack)
 * Battery Cell 2072 (Originally used before it died and replaced with AA)

BristleBot 1 Testing

 * The demonstration of the | BristleBot 1
 * Due to short-lived battery-cell life, it had been replaced with bigger, much heavier AA battery

Pro(s)

 * Assembly style to create this model
 * Each compartment could be replicated by young children by simply stacking each layer on top of each other
 * Bottom = Toothbrush
 * Middle = Motor
 * Top = Counterbalance weight (The nails)
 * Resembles the image of a helicopter
 * Kids tend to like real-life object that can only be seen in TV or virtual world (like video gaming)

Con(s)

 * Exposure of vibrator
 * As the vibrator spins to cause movement, children's hair (especially girls') could be rolled up
 * Such example can be found here:
 * Sharp nails are required for this model
 * It's still dangerous for young kids to build with, even with adults' assistance
 * Battery life is incredibly short when 'properly-sized' battery cell is used
 * This could be countered with AA battery but, as shown in the Testing video, the model had a balance/stability issue
 * Doesn't go 'forward' but rather falls immediately after the motor activation
 * There is no 'real switch'
 * Tape that is attached onto the free-floating wire doesn't stay attached to the battery to cause movment
 * The 'attached' tape immediately falls off or inadequately stays attached as seen in the Testing video