How to Build a Simple LED Light-Up Robot

Learn how to build a friendly, glowing robot using simple electronics and recycled materials. HowTo: Family Edition: family how-tos that actually help.

1. Design your robot body. Use your cardboard box as the main body. Use scissors to poke two small holes in the front where you want your robot's eyes to be. Ask a grown-up to help you with the poking if the cardboard is thick.
2. Prepare the LED circuit. Take your two LED lights. Each LED has two metal legs. Gently bend the legs outward. Ensure the longer leg of each LED touches the positive side of the coin cell battery, and the shorter leg touches the negative side.
3. Secure the power. Use a small piece of electrical tape to hold the LED legs tightly against the battery. When the connection is secure, your LEDs should glow brightly. Ask a grown-up to check your tape to make sure the battery stays in place.
4. Assemble your robot. Place the glowing LED eyes through the holes you made in the box. Use glue or tape to attach the battery inside the box. Add pipe cleaners or bottle caps to the outside to give your robot arms, legs, and personality.