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February 28, 2008
Vibrobot from a speaker and pull-cord toy
Randy made his own version of the Bristlebot, but with a speaker and pull cord. Excellent, and with renewable propulsion! I like the little resistor antlers/feelers - Link.
Related:
HOW TO - Make a Bristlebot a tiny directional vibrobot made from a toothbrush! - Link.
Bristlebot racing snail - Link.
Posted by Becky Stern |
Feb 28, 2008 07:00 PM
DIY Projects, Robotics, Toys and Games |
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February 21, 2008
The NYC Toy fair 2008 - coverage round up
We're pretty happy about our NYC Toy fair 2008 coverage, hundreds of photos and dozens of posts round the clock during the event. Looking around online I think we had the most complete coverage, especially of DIY/Science and learning products. We skipped a lot of awful at the Toy Fair, but we hope showcasing some of the kits, science and engineering centric products helps these companies and parents out there find each other. We also tried to highlight "Made in USA" companies, with all the lead and other contaminants found in imports over the last couple years, being made in the USA is now a desired feature. There were over 20 lead testing companies, it was out of control.
We tried to showcase old-tech meets new tech and the crafty side of the fair - thanks everyone who met us at the fair and toured with us!
To see all the coverage visit our page with all the posts visit here - Link.
To see all the photos @ Flickr visit here - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 21, 2008 07:40 AM
Toys and Games |
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@The NYC Toy fair 2008 - the misc
Here are some final odds and ends from the NYC Toy fair 2008, these aren't necessarily DIY/Science - but things I thought were interesting, bizarre or a little of both ... (pictured here, all year weather sled, you attach large ice blocks for summer use)... keep clicking for more!
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 21, 2008 07:30 AM
Toys and Games |
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Maformers - make 3D shapes from 2D magnet building set
@The NYC Toy fair 2008 there were a few magnet-blocks, but I liked Magformers the most. There are strong magnets on each side of the shapes, they magnets can move freely inside their container so you can make 3-D structures by arranging them on a flat surface and then "lifting" them up to form a 3D shape like a sphere.
More:
- Magnetcity - Link.
- More photos of Magformers @ Flickr - Link.
- Giant set of NYC Toy fair 2008 photos @ Flickr - Link.
- MAKE's coverage of the NYC Toy Faire 2008 in one place! - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 21, 2008 12:55 AM
Toys and Games |
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Matchitecture - models made from matchsticks
@The NYC Toy fair 2008 I spotted these amazing models you build from matchsticks, well - similar sized wood stick that is called microbeams. I did some research online and here's how they got started:
My name is Roland Quinton. I am the (INNOVATOR) creator of MATCHITECTUREI am pleased to answer the numerous e-mails which I received since the beginning of Matchitecture.
Contrary to what many think, I am not an architect, but I am a pharmacist practising in Quebec (Canada). I began constructing with wooden matches and corks approximately 50 years ago. I was then 8 years old. We cooked using a gas stove and with the half burnt matches and corks I built little wooden figurines. I never lacked anything as, at that time, my father had a toy store.
Later, at about 15 years of age, I started to build a tower with very poor glue and absolutely no technique. I almost set fire to the house trying to remove the sulphur from the matches.
It was only at the age of 30 that I had tools made and created the construction Technique now used for Matchitecture. The matches then became Microbeams.
In the early 90's, I realised that I had the beginnings of a construction game and I thought of naming it Matchitecture.
I worked very hard with different teams to finally develop with BO-JEUX the fourth generation of Matchitecture and we are continuously improving it.
I created Matchitecture because, for me, building with microbeams is very exciting. I wanted to share this passion with others.
More:
- Matchitecture - Link.
- More photos of Matchitecture @ Flickr - Link.
- Giant set of NYC Toy fair 2008 photos @ Flickr - Link.
- MAKE's coverage of the NYC Toy Faire 2008 in one place! - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 21, 2008 12:30 AM
Toys and Games |
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ABSOLUT MACHINES - Amazing robotic, web connected ping-pong tossing musical instrument, a large-scale electromechanical sculpture
I met up with Dan Paluska (the other maker is Jeff Lieberman) - they have created the "ABSOLUT QUARTET", an "automated multi-instrumental orchestral machine, a large-scale electromechanical sculpture consisting of three instruments and thousands of parts, working together to create one piece of music. The main timbre is a marimba played by balls shot from a robotic cannon. Other components include a series of wineglasses played by little robotic fingers and an array of robotic percussive instruments". If you're in NYC this is a must-see in person (186 Orchard st.).
Above - some photos and my video!
ABSOLUT MACHINES - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 21, 2008 12:00 AM
Arts, Music, Toys and Games |
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February 20, 2008
Live sculpting, 3D art... and tiny Barack Obama
@The NYC Toy fair 2008 there was a sort of bizarre station, in a good way. A sculptor was working on a clay skeleton, another artist was making something in 3D (figures, a giant gun) and I think it all had something to do with Jailbreak toys, the makers of historical figures (they gave me a mini-Warhol) - tiny Obama was on site, no Ron Paul, sorry.
More:
- Jailbreak toys - Link.
- More photos of XX @ Flickr - Link.
- Giant set of NYC Toy fair 2008 photos @ Flickr - Link.
- MAKE's coverage of the NYC Toy Faire 2008 in one place! - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 20, 2008 04:00 PM
Arts, Toys and Games |
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New from VEX - Wi-fi and VEX mini
@The NYC Toy fair 2008 was a favorite - Innovation first. They make the VEX robots as well as the HEX bugs.
The big news, they announced the Vex-Mini and Vex Wi-Fi... both of these are good additions to their robotics / learning line up. Here are the details...
The VEX RCR Mini, like the Vex Robotics Design System, is an open-ended robotics platform that includes all the parts and accessories inventors need to design and construct a radio-controlled robot. At less than half the size and one-third the cost of the VEX Robotics Design system, VEX Mini will be accessible to even more hobbyists and students at the high school, middle school and now elementary school levels interested in learning about robotics. Vex Mini will be sold as a 300 part kit including gears, motors, wheels, metal and hardware, with additional accessory kits available. The VEX Mini's quarter inch pitch is structurally compatible with all half inch pitch full-scale VEX EDR and RCR robots, enabling builders to design more capable, dexterous and agile robots by mixing parts (cost is $100).
In addition to the VEX Mini, Innovation First extends its leadership in robot control systems with the introduction of a first-of-its kind, revolutionary new control system built on the Wi-Fi 802.11 standard. The patent for the new Control System is pending and the technology will offer a secure, affordable option for education and competition robotics users. The Wi-Fi controller will let users program their VEX robot wirelessly through any computer, including OLPC, running Windows, Mac, or Linux operating systems. The system also facilitates new features like robot to robot communication and even allows operators to drive robots remotely via the Internet.
More:
- Innovation first- Link.
- More photos of Innovation first @ Flickr - Link.
- Giant set of NYC Toy fair 2008 photos @ Flickr - Link.
- MAKE's coverage of the NYC Toy Faire 2008 in one place! - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 20, 2008 03:00 PM
Robotics, Toys and Games |
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Pocket (or TV) spelling bee
@The NYC Toy fair 2008 Franklin showed off their new product, a T-Mobile Sidekick looking device called the "Speaking Spelling Bee" - this isn't a DIY/science kit type thing, but I really liked it and it's a unique gadget (and I haven't seen it anywhere else)... You can play it on the go, or plug in to a TV - awhile back there was a big spelling bee phenomenon, maybe we'll see kids playing this in addition to video games (both are fun)...
Features:
- Multi-player Competition mode (up to 6 players), Game Show mode or improve skills in the practice mode
- Request a definition of the word, origin or to have it used in a sentence
- Compete against friends or select to play against the computer
- High-contrast 2" color LCD display
- Clear speech and sound effects
- Compact design with sliding keyboard
- Connects to most TVs
- SD slot and USB connectivity provides expandability
- The Merriam-Webster Intermediate Dictionary with over 70,000 words, the Merriam-Webster Intermediate Thesaurus and the Merriam-Webster Rhyming Dictionary make this handheld a great companion for school work
Useful reading timer
Meant for ages 8 & up. It also comes with Sudoku -- I dunno, I might get one, Apple's Mail client seems to miss some of my spelling mistakes - I'd like to fix that with meat skills.
More:
- Speaking Spelling Bee - Link.
- More photos of Franklin's spelling bee @ Flickr - Link.
- Giant set of NYC Toy fair 2008 photos @ Flickr - Link.
- MAKE's coverage of the NYC Toy Faire 2008 in one place! - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 20, 2008 02:00 PM
Gadgets, Toys and Games |
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Control high powered telescopes from your own computer
@The NYC Toy fair 2008 one of my favorite companies was attending, Blue Storm productions - makers of "Slooh" - it's not a product exactly, it's time you can rent on high powered telescopes. You buy a card with a number of minutes, use your computer and remotely control observatory sites in Europe, South America (and soon Australia).
More:
- Slooh - Link.
- MySlooh (photos) - Link.
- More photos of Slooh @ Flickr - Link.
- Giant set of NYC Toy fair 2008 photos @ Flickr - Link.
- MAKE's coverage of the NYC Toy Faire 2008 in one place! - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 20, 2008 01:30 PM
Science, Toys and Games |
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Schoenhut - toy piano maker for over 135 years
Not a kit or a toy but worth noting - Schoenhut has been making toy pianos for over 135 years - here's an amazing harp (for kids) they make too. I think these folks are the best and only makers in their space - gorgeous looking (and sounding) stuff.
More:
- Schoenhut - Link.
- More photos of Schoenhut @ Flickr - Link.
- Giant set of NYC Toy fair 2008 photos @ Flickr - Link.
- MAKE's coverage of the NYC Toy Faire 2008 in one place! - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 20, 2008 01:30 PM
Music, Toys and Games |
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Radio controlled art
@The NYC Toy fair 2008 some toys seem almost obvious, RC Art makes a radio controlled "color bug" that holds one marker and to draw you drive it around. I remember doing DIY versions of these when I was a kid (and later with a Roomba) - so I guess it's time for this to finally become a toy for budding RC artists.
More:
- RC Art toys- Link.
- More photos of RC art @ Flickr - Link.
- Giant set of NYC Toy fair 2008 photos @ Flickr - Link.
- MAKE's coverage of the NYC Toy Faire 2008 in one place! - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 20, 2008 12:30 PM
Arts, Toys and Games |
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Laser cut puzzles
@The NYC Toy fair 2008 I was looking for some cool puzzles and Family Games America had some pretty nice ones - a few are "lock" puzzles where you need to figure out the puzzle and then you can get your bottle of wine, but others are nice laser cut puzzles that also gave me a few ideas for making some of my own.
More:
- Family Games America - Link.
- More photos of Family Games America @ Flickr - Link.
- Giant set of NYC Toy fair 2008 photos @ Flickr - Link.
- MAKE's coverage of the NYC Toy Faire 2008 in one place! - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 20, 2008 12:00 PM
Toys and Games |
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Solve puzzles before you can open a DVD, CD, book, money...
@The NYC Toy fair 2008 I saw this ironic puzzle game, it's meant to give kids/adults a puzzle challenge (roll ball unlocks the box) before they can open a DVD, CD, book, money - getting packaging open is usually a challenge already - but I thought it was funny how modern media companies like to lock out their customers on just about everything or make it a "puzzle" for hackers to "fix" some decision - this is a physical version of the cat and mouse game that I think is playing out... If you're clever enough you too can get past the DRM :) -- maybe Magnif should play on that theme for fun.
More:
- Magnif - Link.
- More photos of Magnif @ Flickr - Link.
- Giant set of NYC Toy fair 2008 photos @ Flickr - Link.
- MAKE's coverage of the NYC Toy Faire 2008 in one place! - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 20, 2008 11:30 AM
Toys and Games |
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Marble transportation systems made from wood
@The NYC Toy fair 2008 some of the "toys" are meant for younger maker kids but they have an obvious home with just about anyone - HaPe makes all sorts of bead-on-wire sets as well a many well-crafted wood learning toys, but the ones I liked the most was their Quadrilla line. They are wood maze-like sculptures that use gravity to get a marble to travel around its structure. Creating a giant one of these is extremely fun, the craftsmanship is outstanding.
More:
- HaPe- Link.
- More photos of Quadrilla @ Flickr - Link.
- Giant set of NYC Toy fair 2008 photos @ Flickr - Link.
- MAKE's coverage of the NYC Toy Faire 2008 in one place! - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 20, 2008 11:00 AM
Toys and Games |
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Computerized engravers for metal, glass and more...
@The NYC Toy fair 2008 there weren't that many customizing companies but I did meet the folks from U-MARQ - they make a $7,000k-ish computerized engraver - with these you can engrave: small items such as jewelry, rings, charms, and pens as well as large items; wine bottles, plaques, trophy's, tankards, etc... on gold, silver, platinum, stainless steel, titanium, glass, plastic, wood and soap. I use a laser cutter, but there are things (mostly shiny items) that tend to look better if you use a physical engraver like the ones from U-MARQ.
You could probably get one of these, or build your own and do some nice work on iPods, iPhones and more as business.
More:
- U-MARQ - Link.
- Videos - Link.
- More photos of U-MARQ @ Flickr - Link.
- Giant set of NYC Toy fair 2008 photos @ Flickr - Link.
- MAKE's coverage of the NYC Toy Faire 2008 in one place! - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 20, 2008 10:00 AM
Toolbox, Toys and Games |
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Balsa wood airplanes
From the the NYC Toy fair 2008 -- Guillow has been making balsa wood planes since 1926, just about everyone I know has made one of these at some point in their life or have bought them for their kids. The blue rubber bands, the red propellers, these bring back a lot of memories - it was great to see not much has changed for over half a century, they're still popular. They also have complete lines of model planes and foam flyers, out of all the toy makers I think the crowd was the biggest around Guillows, not for demos but men and women talking about how they all grew up on these planes.
(Made is USA!)
More:
- Guillows - Link.
- More photos of Guillows @ Flickr - Link.
- Giant set of NYC Toy fair 2008 photos @ Flickr - Link.
- MAKE's coverage of the NYC Toy Faire 2008 in one place! - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 20, 2008 09:30 AM
Toys and Games |
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ScienceWiz - Science kits and learning for kids
@The NYC Toy fair 2008 I met the folks from ScienceWiz (including Pegg Norman, PHD, the writer!) - ScienceWiz "kits" are age specific science learning for kids. The original development of the ScienceWiz line was funded through grants from the National Science Foundation and the Franklin Foundation. There were a few science-learning companies (and we've covered most of them) - but I think ScienceWiz has some of the best ones for younger kids - I also like how the "kit" is in a box and a magazine-like book is attached, I'd like to do something like that with MAKE eventually.
More:
- ScienceWiz - Link.
- More photos of ScienceWiz @ Flickr - Link.
- Giant set of NYC Toy fair 2008 photos @ Flickr - Link.
- MAKE's coverage of the NYC Toy Faire 2008 in one place! - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 20, 2008 09:00 AM
Science, Toys and Games |
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Prank kits!
@The NYC Toy fair 2008 there weren't that many "prank" companies, I saw some super-cheap rubber chickens and a gag or two, but the only company that had a dedicated prank line and some fun packaging was "Reeve and Jones" - they make familiar favorites like: Whoopie cushions, hand buzzers, dirty hand soap, dollar snatchers, black eye shine, fake vomit, the bronx cheer, nail through finger, squirt gum, magic ink, bug in ice and rubber pencils. Each comes in an interesting pack - fun stuff.
More:
- Reeve and Jones - Link.
- More photos of the prank kits @ Flickr - Link.
- Giant set of NYC Toy fair 2008 photos @ Flickr - Link.
- MAKE's coverage of the NYC Toy Faire 2008 in one place! - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 20, 2008 08:30 AM
Toys and Games |
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Mechanical marvels made from wood
@The NYC Toy fair 2008 I found a fantastic line of "Timberkits" these are wood automatons you build yourself: Dragons, pigs, drummers, piano players - you can also build a motor if you don't want to use the crank. I think these were one of my favorite things from the entire event.
Here's a video of "kissing couple".
More:
- Mechanical marvels - Link.
- More photos of Mechanical marvels @ Flickr - Link.
- Giant set of NYC Toy fair 2008 photos @ Flickr - Link.
- MAKE's coverage of the NYC Toy Faire 2008 in one place! - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 20, 2008 07:01 AM
Toys and Games |
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