Air-walker
STEM Experiment Kit
- Build a gravity defying robot!
- Learn about the physics of air pressure and suction and how it's used to help your model walk vertically up perfectly smooth surfaces!
- Build 5 different models for a hands-on experience that brings physics and engineering to life.
- Includes a 24-page, full-color manual with step-by-step instructions and a fun comic about NEXO the air-walker!
A Robot That Defies Gravity?!
That’s what you get with Air-Walker, a four-legged bot that uses an ingenious system of suction cups and pumps to crawl along smooth, vertical surfaces like windows. A follow-up to the award-winning Geckobot STEM experiment kit, Air-Walker uses technology similar to that found in its reptilian predecessor, but with easier assembly. You can also build four other models with the same components and learn how suction and mechanical devices can be used in different real-world applications.
How Does It Work?
The Air-Walker's 'feet' are suction cups, connected to the motor box. When you turn the motor on, air is sucked from between the climbing surface and the suction cups, resulting in negative pressure there. This means that the air pressure that exists there is lower than the environmental air pressure all around it. This negative pressure ensures the Air-Walker stays stuck to a smooth surface, because basically the entire pressure of the atmosphere above the suction cups is pushing them toward the surface, while there is virtually no pressure pushing them away. Want to make your robot change direction? Just turn the dial on Air-Walker's back!
The Models
In addition to the Air-Walker model, kids can build four other models with the same components: a vacuum-suction machine sticks to and lifts flat panels; the Crawler pulls itself along on its two front feet, looking as if it's moving along on its belly; the Simple Walker scoots forward with two suction cups; and the Sideways Walker walks to the side in a circle, rotating around a central pivot point.
The Manual
The full-color, 24-page illustrated manual provides detailed step-by-step instructions for building the 5 models included in the kit as well as troubleshooting tips and explanations to get your models working and moving smoothly. But the manual isn't just a set of assembly steps--it also includes a wealth of interesting and important scientific information. In the 'Check It Out' sections of the manual, kids can learn about the field of robotics and how this area of science is transforming our everyday lives.