Solar energy really seems to be taking off and it’s about time too. The 6 in 1 Solar Robot Kit takes full advantage of that flaming ball of gas not 93 000 000 miles away we lovingly call the sun. It’s a DIY beginner’s kit that’s perfect for anyone with more than a passing interest in robots (which is everyone surely?). You can build the kit 6 different ways which means once you’ve finished making one robot you can take it apart and turn it into a solar powered boat windmill or car and that’s just 3 of them. The diagrams are very easy to follow we even let the office luddite have a go at building one. Not only is it really fun to make but it’s great for showing you solar power in action so it’s educational as well as fun to make. If you live somewhere that doesn’t get a lot of sunlight (anywhere in mainland UK for instance) you’ll be very happy to hear that the sun isn’t the only source of energy this kit can draw power from. A 50 watt halogen lightbulb will do the trick meaning you can even play with your robot on those rainy winter days. The 6 in 1 Solar Robot kit is just the ticket for the eco conscious roboteer.

• Gift – Toys

Price : £ 9.99

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Solar energy really seems to be taking off and it’s about time too. The 6 in 1 Solar Robot Kit takes full advantage of that flaming ball of gas not 93 000 000 miles away we lovingly call the sun. It’s a DIY beginner’s kit that’s perfect for anyone with more than a passing interest in robots (which is everyone surely?). You can build the kit 6 different ways which means once you’ve finished making one robot you can take it apart and turn it into a solar powered boat windmill or car and that’s just 3 of them. The diagrams are very easy to follow we even let the office luddite have a go at building one. Not only is it really fun to make but it’s great for showing you solar power in action so it’s educational as well as fun to make. If you live somewhere that doesn’t get a lot of sunlight (anywhere in mainland UK for instance) you’ll be very happy to hear that the sun isn’t the only source of energy this kit can draw power from. A 50 watt halogen lightbulb will do the trick meaning you can even play with your robot on those rainy winter days. The 6 in 1 Solar Robot kit is just the ticket for the eco conscious roboteer.

• Gift – Toys

Price : £ 9.99

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Much like our 6 in 1 Solar Powered Robot this T3 Robot harnesses the power of the sun to make your day that little bit more interesting. Unlike the rather cutesy 6 in 1 however the T3 takes a slightly more aggressive stance – once you’ve built it you can turn it into either a tank a scorpion or a standard robot (we’re not sure there’s such a thing as a standard robot but there we are). And if those three different guises aren’t enough for you then well you’re just no fun are you? What’s not to like about a solar-powered scorpion that waddles across your desk like some mechanised arthropod? That’s right – nothing. Being a solar-powered robot or tank or scorpion the T3 requires no batteries whatsoever just a healthy glare of sunshine. Or given the notoriety of our island’s native climate a functioning light bulb. It’s a great little gizmo for keeping on your desk and even better for kids who take an interest how things work. Piecing the thing together in the first place is a rewarding task to complete and once that’s finished the fun really begins. Ingenious design and an eco-friendly message – what could be better for kids and grown-ups alike?

• Gift – Toys

Price : £ 9.99

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Robots are taking over the planet, but as the guide helpfully advises, don’t panic! This isn’t one of those pesky evil robots, intent on enslaving humanity , but the new Spykee Vox, the latest robot kit from Meccano that responds to the sound of your voice! Reacting to a huge range of voice commands, it can even be programmed to perform a series of movements and sounds using a very simple programme editor included with the robot. All it takes is a bit of practice and you’ll soon have your Spykee Vox zipping round the carpet shooting its lasergun. You can even edit his facial animations to react to different commands you give him. It?s all very exciting. The robot arrives disassembled, but there’s no need to brush up on your robotics – it’s just like any other Meccano kit and the instructions will hold your hand through every step of the process (we let our office luddite loose on the kit and he managed to finish making the robot within 3 hours – though he did try and destroy it afterwards). Once you’ve got the hang of your Spykee you can use it to control your mp3 player or iPod, and if you’re feeling particularly lazy the robot will even take over as the remote control for your telly, giving you complete voice control over the idiot box. So, if you fancy yourself as a bit of a robotics amateur, get hold of the Spykee Vox and let a little bit of the future into your living room.

Price : £ 99.99

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