A basic way for a preschool aged child to begin designing a robot is to work with Play Doh. A you child can put together a smaller scale Play Doh model to build ideas that can be implemented in future finished designs. Provide several different colors of Play Doh so children can individualize their robots. Allow the preschoolers to use their imagination and do not edit their ideas, even if they don't seem feasible. Working in Play Doh makes it easier for children to change and add features during this creation process. To inspire creative thinking, present a task or obstacle that their designs must accommodate. Encourage the children to design a robot with the abilities that include some sort of sensory intake device and locomotion.
You and your preschooler can transform a remote-controlled car into a mobile robot. Start by finding a working remote-controlled vehicle and controller. After testing the prospective vehicle, take the batteries out of the car and control to avoid electrical shock. Remove the clips, pins or screws that hold the body of the vehicle onto the chassis. Your child can help you do this, but should be carefully supervised when dealing with these small parts. Have your child clean and rinse an empty milk carton. Then assist her in designing all but one long panel of the outside of her milk carton with aluminum foil and construction paper to make it look like a robot. Attach the undecorated side to the empty chassis of the RC car using hot glue or clear caulk. You may need to trim holes to allow wheel movement or make way for the antenna. Now replace the batteries and let your preschooler drive her car-bot.
An advanced preschooler can be guided by an adult to complete a custom toy robot kit. Most toy robot kits are designed for kids eight years of age or older. They may have parts that are small and rated to be a choking hazard for children ages three and younger. Younger children may not have the dexterity to fully assemble the kit without adult help. Preschool age children will still be able to learn the steps to building a robot frame. They can also learn about the functional relationships between external sensors and their input's effect on power and mobility in robotics. Many educational robot kits are open-ended designs that allow for multiple robots to be built, disassembled, and rebuilt. These sets often offer a spectrum from basic to advanced builds.