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Informal Science Education Network              <[log in to unmask]> writes:
> 
>
>I am currently designing an exhibit which will be called "Inventor's Lab"
>and we are looking into the possibility of using robotics within the
>exhibit. Some that we have looked at are Lego Mindstorms, Crickets, and the
>Sandwich Robot. I was curious to see if any other museum had any experience
>with any of these robots and what their experiences were such as durability,
>public opinion, cost effectiveness, etc, etc. I am also open to any other
>robot ideas that I may not know about. Thanks!

We have used Robotix in a couple of different unfacilitated exhibits plus in a facilitated activity.  The materials are pretty heavy duty.  People LOVE them, and kids can spend hours putting their
robots together, taking them apart, etc.  Haven't had TOO much trouble with the robots walking away with the kids, though individual pieces sometimes miraculously find their way into pockets.  The
only consistent problem we've had is with the yellow cords that connect the motors to the switch box that turn the motors on (the switch box is, in turn, connected to a power source).  The little
plugs have a tendency to break off after heavy use.  If you have the $, just lay in a supply of the things that are most likely to break, and you should be good to go.  Our stuff was more likely to
break before it walked away.

I think you can get a set of the materials to make different things, plus you can buy quantities of the individual pieces.  I would suggest getting a small set of stuff & trying it out, if your
budget permits.  Give a kid the pieces & see what breaks first. :>)  Ah, I love prototyping!  

Michelle

Michelle Nichols, Master Educator for Informal Programs
Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum
1300 S. Lake Shore Dr.
Chicago, IL  60605
312-322-0520 
312-322-9181 (fax)
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http://www.adlerplanetarium.org

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