Thames and Kosmos® Bionic Robotic Arm

Grades 5–12

Introduce students to the robotic arm of the future and teach them about biomimicry — the study of how models, systems, and elements found in nature are incorporated into everyday engineering.

As they assemble this cutting-edge, segmented arm from almost 300 plastic pieces, they’ll learn how each part comes together into an intricate mechanical design.

Designed to mimic the way tendons control the muscles in a human arm, this innovative system is controlled by a pair of joysticks that pull and release a network of nylon cables threaded throughout, enabling intuitive and precise movements.

Students can use the buttons on the top of each joystick to open, close, and rotate the claw 180 degrees. Challenge students to grab, move, and release various objects. Then, have them switch out the gripper claw with a model of an eel’s head to transform their robotic arm into a slithery bionic eel.

The 56-page manual guides model building and experimentation and provides engaging scientific information about how this type of robotic arm works, as well as offers real-world examples.