Varikabo – multifunctional Mini-Bot for soldering

Varikabo is an easy-to-build, robot kit with a highly sensitive sensor system. By using a selector switch and adjusting and exchanging the sensors, you get to explore twelve different functions and astounding behaviors. An exciting and playful start to learning electronics!

– masters obstacle courses
– follows dark and light lines
– chases or pushes objects
– searches, tracks or circles under light
– tracks or circles under shadows
– circles on dark or light areas

The patented combination of three light sensors makes it possible for varikabo to react especially sensitive to its surroundings, recognizing objects, obstacles, light, shadows, and ground markings due to the slightest color tone contrast. Depending on the chosen function, varikabo adjusts its direction and speed to match its environment.
Varikabos “brain cells” are simply two transistors, making it even more amazing that it can do what it does.

A small Robot with astounding Possibilities

With the help of a clever combination of brightness sensors, varikabo can pick up the tiniest contrasts in his surroundings and react to them in various ways.
The two outer sensors determine the direction and the middle sensor the speed. You can take off the left and right sensors and exchange them. They determine whether varikabo will seek darkness or light.
The three rotatable brightness sensors cause him to respond to lines, objects, light, and shadows. By adjusting the sensors downward, upward, and forward, you decide whether varikabo will respond to these when they’re on the ground, in front of him, or over him.
With the switch, you choose the acceleration or brake mode. varikabos eye-LEDs show you how he feels: If he’s in a hurry or on the run, they shine red. If he feels comfortable and stands still – for example, under your hand, then they shine blue.

The composition

The setup of varikabo takes about two hours. You need a soldering iron, solder, a 9 V battery, plyers and a wire cutter. From the soldering process to the initial start-up, all of the necessary steps are included in the assembly instructions, accompanied by numerous illustrations. For these illustrations, an elaborate 3D-CAD-model of the robot was designed.
The experiment manual explains the configuration of the various functions, showing how these can be set using the selector switch and the three exchangeable sensors.
Further, you’re shown how the control circuits are set up and how the various components function. You can learn to understand and comprehend varikabos multi-functional behaviors and what causes them.
This is a fun and practical way to learn the basics of electronics!

The perfect kit for schools

varikabo is particularly well suited as an exciting introduction to electronics and robotics. The kit not only offers an interesting soldering project and multifunctional robot but also a practice-oriented learning carrier. Since it is easy to put together, it ensures an immediate sense of success. At the same time, the fact that there are many construction options to choose from leaves plenty of room for creative experimentation.