Automatons are mechanical toys that move with cams, using levers and different types of linkages. They are great for stimulating the imagination of kids of all ages to apply their knowledge to a mechanism of their own design. Our kits are designed to be easy to assemble and fun to turn and watch what happens.
Our designers are hard at work to develop a line of fun automatons for you to enjoy and use as a point to embark on your own creations. Here are some pictures of the work students have done in the classes. The Cam Crazy class is where students design, make and test their own designs.
We have finally brought our ideas to the table and have the first two new kits (of seven!) are the Running Horse and the Flying Pig.
Inspired by the desire to see pigs fly (rather than just fall off the edge of places) we have created a fully functioning pig on a stick that moves its legs up and down as its wings flap with the grace of a – well, a pig.
Our second automaton is a running horse. Inspired by the roving herds of horses (and zebras) that seem to run effortlessly from here to there and back again, we have come up with an automaton that defies numerous theories of relativity.
They are designed to be made in about an hour and can be painted in any assortment of colours or patterns without voiding any warranties (except in Massachusetts).