Thames & Kosmos Bionic Robotic Arm

The robotic arm of the future is here! The segmented arm is driven by cables like the tendons in muscles, resulting in a mesmerizing motion reminiscent of a cyborg creature’s tentacles in a sci-fi movie. Assemble this cutting-edge robotic arm from almost 300 plastic pieces, learning how each part comes together in its intricate mechanical design.

Once assembled, you can intuitively control the arm with two joysticks, which pull and release the multiple nylon cables threaded through it, enabling easy and precise control of its movement. Use the right joystick to control the upper body and the left one for the lower body. You’ll be amazed at how instinctive it feels.

Just a touch of the right button rotates the claw up to 180 degrees, while pressing the left button gives you the power to open and close the claw. Move the two joysticks and push the two buttons to maneuver the claw to grab, move, and release various objects. Using this robotic arm feels like being at the controls of a state-of-the-art remote operating robot or high-tech cleanroom. And it’s all controlled by the power of your hands — no motors or electricity required!

Bonus: Switch out the gripper claw with a model of an eel’s head to transform your robotic arm into a slithery bionic eel. Can you pick up the included small shrimp models with the eels mouth?

A full-color manual guides model building and experimentation and provides engaging scientific information about how this type of robotic arm works, including real world examples.

• Stunning mechanical design
• Cutting-edge tendon-driven controls system
• Incredible range of motion:
• Arm: 360-degree, 23-inch horizontal working area and 180-degree, 15-inch vertical working area 
• Claw: 180-degree rotation, 2.5-inch maximum grip
• Intuitively controlled via two joysticks and cables
• Effortlessly operate with unparalleled flexibility
• Two interchangeable end effectors (gripper claw and fun eel head)
• Build from almost 300 parts