Pitsco T-Bot II Hydraulic Arm Robotics Kit for Students Aged 11-18

I bought this for my 14 year old daughter who is very crafty and likes doing projects. It took her a while to assemble but the end result was so cool!! The arm really does move and she can pick up things. It's not motorized in anyway. She amazed herself and her friends. Now everyone wants one!

Let's face it, every kid loves construction machinery, garbage trucks, fork lifts etc.Explaining how hydraulics work can be daunting.This really does a great job.The only downside is:-assembly will take time- yes, you will have buy food coloring, Elmer's glue and a frickn hot-cold glue gun (essential) that you may only use onceBut for the curious it is very very very cool once it's assembledBuyer's tip:Find a flat plate (of what ever material that works and is heavy enough) to attach to the final assembly (Velcro is included in the kit)The hydraulic arm has to be anchored to something or weighted down with something, otherwise it won't stay upright.We initially used one or 2 ceramic coasters that were lying around the house to initially weigh the base down.

This was a very cool project to build. Although the parts arrived disconnect from board from which it was cut, it was fairly easy to assemble. I set some parts using a glue gun which made for a more solid setup.

Putting these together is not easy. They're not toys, but they are a great way to teach kids about a full spectrum of physics and mechanics. Which is what they're meant to do.

It's OK, should be cheaper.

Parts were missing in the package...

I gave this to my bored 13 year old son at lunchtime on Sunday and he had a great time putting it together and using it for the rest of the day. A hot glue gun is mandatory as mentioned by other reviewers, but that is no real problem.

cool