Parallax Boe - Bot Robot Kit

by Parallax Inc.

Product Features

• Includes 200+ page Robotics book
• Detailed pictorial and schematic formats
• Complete assembly and programming instructions
• Includes all hardware, body parts, and electronic components you will need to assemble and program the Boe-Bot
• Requries: 4 'AA' batteries (not included).

Product Details

• Item Weight: 3.5 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4.5 pounds
• ASIN: B000GE8RQO
• Manufacturer recommended age: 10 years and up
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #67,044 in Toys & Games (See Top 100 in Toys & Games)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)

Product Description

The ever-popular Boe-Bot Full Kit is a complete reprogrammable robot kit. The Robotics text includes 41 new activities for the Boe-Bot robot with structured PBASIC 2.5 source code support and bonus challenges with solutions in each chapter. -- Starting with basic movement and proceeding to sensor-based projects, you will quickly learn how the Boe-Bot is expandable for many different robotic projects. No previous robotics, electronics or programming experience is necessary. Over 90,000 Boe-Bot robots are in use by hobbyists, educators and students around the world -- The Boe-Bot robot is built on a high-quality brushed aluminum chassis that provides a sturdy platform for the continuous rotation servo motors and BASIC Stamp module

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you are not quite ready for the challenge of an Arduino...., October 29, 2010

By 

Christopher T. Dahle (Del Norte, Colorado USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Parallax Boe - Bot Robot Kit (Toy)

...and I have to admit, I'm not, then the BOE BOT, or one of the related kits from Parallax is the way to go.

I am slowly working my way into the Arduino, but I wanted something that would get me moving a bit faster with micro-controller projects, allow me to do some data logging, and create some kinetic, technical gizmos for my classroom. I was introduced to the BOE BOT by a colleague several months ago and obtained the loan of one. I spent several highly productive weeks learning how to blink lights, drive servos, and read sensors and while I feel that I will eventually move beyond the BOE-BOT and the BasicStamp micro controller, I feel that it is an excellent jumping off point, especially for beginners that do not have easy access to a group of experienced fellow enthusiasts.

I purchased the USB version of the BOE BOT after working through the first three chapters of the manual...and I have to say that the Parallax manuals are one of the best features of the BOE BOT and it's BasicStamp processor. The kit comes with the outstanding "ROBOTICS with the BOE BOT", but beyond that, Parallax makes all of their manuals available on line in PDF format. There is a "Getting Started" and a "What's a Micro Controller", and each of them are readable, easily followed guides that give a firm grounding in the operation of the BOE and a thorough introduction to the electronics skills that are needed to build the BOT and progress in many other directions into the wide open world of micro controllers.

My initial approval of the BOE BOT was affirmed by watching the success that my students have had with it. The BOE BOT teaches logic, programming, electronics, and computing systems all in one convenient and portable package and I have had an opportunity to watch students of a wide variety of ages, interests and skill levels become enthralled with these subjects as they "play" with the BOE BOT.

Parallax supplies a wide variety of sensor modules and other components that can be added to the BOE, and these can also be readily adapted for use with other micro controller platforms, a circumstance that makes the BOE an even better choice as a "starter" set up for the budding roboticist.

There is one aspect of this accessory variety however that raises my only real criticism, albeit, a small one. Parallax has a large and friendly online community in the form of the "Parallax Forums" bulletin board site, but there does seem to be a slight prejudice there against the use of non-Parallax-branded accessories. There are a number of manufacturers who build components readily adaptable to the BOE, but there is also an apparently fierce loyalty to the Parallax brand. People who request assistance with non-Parallax produced components may detect a slight measure of aloofness from the forum regulars.

Overall, the BOE is a great introduction to micro controllers and the electronic circuits they are able to control. With an adult's aid, it is not unreasonable to turn an eight year old loose with a BOE, but by no means should this discourage older buyers. At 48 I find the BOE an interesting and challenging bit of hardware. I just wish they had existed thirty years ago.

Over all, I call this an outstanding value.

29 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for the Young Scientist, November 21, 2006

By 

Robin Hobbs (Henderson, NC USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Parallax Boe - Bot Robot Kit (Toy)

I got one of these robot kits for my 10 year old and he simply loves it. As a family of home schoolers, I'm always looking for things that will teach as well as entertain my kids and this robot more than fills that need. My son will sit for hours working on programs and then have hours of fun showing us what he accomplished. I HIGHLY recommend the boe bot to anyone who is interested in robotics.

5 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, January 3, 2007

By 

Hernan Jesus Escalona - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Parallax Boe - Bot Robot Kit (Toy)

Excellent product, great price and great fun
I beleive that need buy kit additional