The winner for Best Innovation at the 2006 Consumer Electronics Show, the Vexplorer is finally available for everyone at least 14-years-old who loves to play as much as they love to learn. Part of the Vex system, this next-generation fun and educational robotic system is an exciting addition to what has become a virtual institution in junior high school, high school, and college robotics classes.
The Vexplorer system includes over 300 parts to develop endless combinations of radio-controlled robotic activity. View larger. |
The claw is strong enough to pick up a full 12-ounce can. View larger. |
A built-in spy camera transmits live color pictures with sound to any standard televistion. View larger. |
After constructing your robot, take it for a spin with the easy-to-use controller. |
Much More Than A Toy With more than 300 parts, the Vexplorer allows users to create, experiment, and play with endless combinations of radio-controlled robotic activity. Designed by Revell Monogram, this robotic design system is endorsed by such prestigious organizations as NASA, Carnegie Mellon, and FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). Young and old electronics and robot enthusiasts will have a blast learning about robotic configuration through hands-on experience. In less than an hour, users can construct their very own robot. Compatible with the entire Vex system, the Vexplorer can be easily expanded using optional Vex accessories and mechanical parts from other Vex machines.
More than a mere toy, the Vexplorer boasts its own built-in spy camera, transmitting live color pictures with sound to any standard television. Utilizing a camera receiver module box, it broadcasts video over distances up to 150 feet. The Vexplorer also makes lifting and moving objects around both fun and challenging. The claw is strong enough to pick up a full 12-ounce can, yet delicate enough to handle a bird's feather. By simply keeping the claw control held down, the sensitive, soft plastic grip material keeps things clenched. Setting a can of soda back down without dropping it is another story -- that takes practice.
Built with a sturdy, metal base, arm, and arm support, the Vexplorer can stand up to its share of wear and tear. It operates with many metal and durable plastic pieces, including four motors and 24 gears, as well as cables, harnesses, tools, screws, nuts, bolts, and more. The six rubber-like plastic tires with tread grips make for easy rolling over most even surfaces. However, getting over some bumps can prove frustrating, if not outright impossible at times.
The Ultimate Test Drive
While this system is a great introduction to robotics, we recommend it for those who already have a knack and enthusiasm for building and exploring. The Vexplorer exemplifies the old saying that the journey is more important than the destination. For fans of science, technology and robotics who've put their minds and hands into transforming the Vexplorer into a functioning robotic system, it's extremely rewarding to build it and watch it in operation. But even the most enthusiastic Vexplorer fan will note its slow crawl; it's too bad the machine couldn't be built for a bit more speed. However, even at its pace, the radio-controlled device is as fun as it gets.
After assembling the Vexplorer -- which won't be easy for everyone -- the best part is watching the machine's exploration on your TV screen. Do this simply by switching on the camera receiver module and plugging it into the back of the TV with the included A/V cables. This may work with some computer monitors as well. Those tech-savvy enough to get this far will likely figure out a way to even record their "lunar landing." The broadcast of our test model was sensitive and got fuzzy when the Vexplorer approached its 150-foot maximum distance, and the audio didn't come through well. Nevertheless, we were captivated, sitting on the couch and experiencing the world outside from such modest heights.
Pros:
- An excellent introduction to robotics
- Compatible with all Vex systems, allowing for endless configurations
- Claw grip and arm pick up and move solid and sensitive objects
- Built-in spy camera allows you to view robot's exploration up to 150 feet away
- Sturdy metal and durable plastic construction
Cons: - Slow operation
- Video and audio broadcast can be fuzzy
- Cannot climb over bumps; ideal only for level surfaces
What's in the Box Vexplorer robotics design system, remote control, and camera receiver module.
Science and technology combine in this robotic revolution. With over 300 parts, four servo motors, a 6-channel radio with 150-foot range and 24 gears, kids can build their own unique radio-controlled robot configurations. Cool add-ons like "the claw" that's strong enough to hold a soda can or the arm that can grab things let kids use their imaginations to do some serious building. A real spycam can be attached to the robot and transmit the images to a TV or computer screen, allowing builders to explore anywhere. Assembly is made easier with the included SolidWorks software disc.
Requires one "9V" and 10 "AA" batteries, not included. Measures 6" x 13" x 22".
Includes:
- Over 300 parts in all
- 6-channel radio with 150' range
- Four servo motors
- 24 gears
- All-terrain tires
- Tons of coated, heavy metal parts
- Tools, screws, nuts, bolts
- Spycam that submits live transmissions to any TV or computer
- All accessories needed to connect to a TV or computer
- SolidWorks software disc with step-by-step assembly instructions
