Do you think robots can be creative?

Artists have been using machines to create artworks for a long time. In the 1960s artist Harold Cohen used computers as a creative tool to make computer drawings. He created AARON, a computer program designed to produce art on its own.

Inspired by Harold Cohen, we are going to make a robot that draws! We are going to program an Arduino (this is a small computer, which can receive and send data). It is a little fiddly in places so you may need an adult to help you with it.

• Arduino
• Breadboard
• Transistor
• Resistor
• Single core electrical wire reel
• Gaffer tape
• Counter weights
• Jumper weights
• Capacitor
• 3v motor
• Motor mounts
• Motor horn arm
• Wire
• Batteries
• Battery holder
• Decorations: feathers, pipe cleaners,
• White paper
• Pens

Check out your Arduino – make sure you know where the digital pins are and how to power it.

Get to grips with the software. Download the Arduino software and test it out. Then upload the sensor code to your computer.

Set up the breadboard and add in the motor.

Add the legs. Wrap the sensor wires around the spider legs.

Connect Arduino to the battery.

Decorate your robot and add in the pens to the end of the legs. Place some paper on the ground and send your robot for a spin!