Hooked on Science: Toothbrush robot

Build a robot with a few items from around the house.

Materials

* 7.5VDC micro super high-speed motor

* Toothbrush

* Double-sided foam tape

* Wire cutters

* Button/coin-cell battery

* Electric tape

Instructions

STEP 1: Using wire cutters, have an adult remove the handle from the toothbrush.

STEP 2: Using the double-sided tape, attach the motor to the top of the toothbrush with the bristles.

STEP 3: Attach the wires from the motor to the battery, so the motor vibrates. Use the electric tape to secure the connection. Attach the battery to the double sided tape, already on the part of the toothbrush with the bristles.

STEP 4: Sit the toothbrush robot on a flat surface and observe.

Explanation

The vibrations created by the motor move through the toothbrush head, to the bristles, causing the toothbrush robot to vibrate. The angled bristles cause the toothbrush robot to move forward.

Jason Lindsey is a science outreach educator with Hooked on Science. Check out his websitehookedonscience.org for webcasts and experiments.