Turn a Cardboard Box into a Robot

Turn a Cardboard Box into a Robot

Robots can vacuum floors, mow lawns, and even milk cows. But these are all different robots. We don’t yet have one robot that can do any chore. What if we did? Imagine a future robot that could do any chore you want. In this activity, you’ll design that robot. Print this activity

Supplies

  • 1 small cardboard box
  • duct tape or a hot glue gun (ask an adult for help)
  • scissors
  • used, clean recyclables such as paper towel tubes, bottle caps, plastic cups, straws, etc.
  • Optional: pipe cleaners, buttons, or any other decorating supplies

Directions

  1. Decide what jobs you want your robot to do for you. What sort of design will help it do those jobs? Will it have legs or wheels? How many arms does it need? Will it resemble a human or an animal or something else?
  2. Use the tape or glue to attach items to the box. Use the scissors to cut through the box to change the robot’s shape or poke things through the sides. Get creative!
  3. Give your robot a name.
  4. Optional: Take a picture of your robot and share it with Kathryn Hulick in the comments!

Think about it!

Having a robot to do some chores would be great! But are there any chores or jobs that you would NOT want a robot to do for you? Why not?

If you’re curious about how robots and other technology may change the world in the future, check out my book, Welcome to the Future: Robot Friends, Fusion Energy, Pet Dinosaurs, and More! This book describes what might happen, but also challenges you to think about how you want the world to change. What should we do with technology to make the world a better place for all of humanity?

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