Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Make: Magazine, Volume 55 — DIY Robots is a genuine back issue built around approachable robotics projects, including a self-balancing rover, a 3D-printed dancing robot, and a LEGO-compatible walking mechanism. It is best viewed as a source of project ideas and design context—not a current, guaranteed-to-work kit guide: its companion material dates to 2017, so parts, links, and software may need updating. The digital edition was listed as available when checked on August 18, 2026; print availability was less clear.
What is Make: Volume 55?
Make: Volume 55 — DIY Robots is a back issue of Make: magazine. Its special “Bot Factory” section brings together robot projects, programming features, kit guidance, and maker stories. The publisher describes the issue as containing more than 24 projects overall—not 24 robot builds.
The robotics theme spans Arduino, Raspberry Pi, LEGO-compatible construction, sensors, motors, 3D printing, FPV video, and software. The issue also includes crafts, electronics, tools, and other general maker projects. That breadth is a bonus if you want a varied magazine, but less compelling if you are buying it solely for robotics instructions.
The main robotics projects, and who they suit
EddiePlus: Self-Balancing Robot
EddiePlus is a two-wheeled balancing robot with FPV camera control. It is a more demanding choice than its compact form might suggest: balancing depends on sensors, motor control, stable mechanical assembly, and careful control-loop tuning. Wheel alignment, sensor mounting, battery position, and frame rigidity can all affect behavior. Choose it if you already have some microcontroller and motor experience, and expect calibration rather than a simple assemble-and-go build.
#1 Best Overall
- Hands-On STEM Robot Learning---This STEM robot kit combines coding, electronics, and robotics into a fun, hands-on learning experience. Powered by an ESP32 controller and guided by 16 story-based tutorials, this robotics kit for kids helps children ages 8–12 and 12–16 build real-world STEM skills. Ideal for robotics for kids, classroom teaching, or at-home learning.
- 3 Programming Languages for All Skill Levels---This coding robot kit supports Scratch, Arduino, and Python, making it suitable for beginners and advanced learners alike. Scratch block coding is perfect for younger kids and first-time coders, while Arduino and Python support deeper learning for teens and tech enthusiasts. A flexible programmable robot designed to grow with students.
- Mobile-Friendly Coding – Learn Anytime, Anywhere---Unlike many traditional robot kits, this robotics kit supports programming on computers, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices like smartphones and iPads. Kids can code directly on mobile devices, making it especially suitable for schools, training centers, and self-learning at home. A practical STEM kit for kids in modern learning environments.
- Build Your Own Robot – Beginner-Friendly DIY---This robot building kit includes HD videos and illustrated step-by-step instructions, allowing kids to assemble the robot independently or with parents. No soldering required. The building process strengthens hands-on skills, patience, and confidence—making it a strong choice among STEM toys for kids and engineering kits for kids. Tutorial path: ACEBOTT Official Website → Resources → WIKI & Assembly Video Note: Batteries not included.
- App & Remote Control for Interactive Learning---Control the robot using the smartphone App (iOS & Android) or the included IR remote. Kids can instantly see how their code affects movement and behavior, reinforcing core coding logic. This robot kit keeps learning engaging while remaining easy to use for beginners.
Chip-E: Bipedal Robot
Chip-E is an Arduino-powered, 3D-printed two-legged robot designed for a moonwalk-style or dancing gait. It is a strong visual showpiece, but a more involved mechanical project than a basic wheeled rover. You will need access to printed parts, actuators or servos, assembly tools, and Arduino programming. A printer is not essential if you can obtain the parts elsewhere, but confirm that the original files and current instructions are accessible before sourcing components.
TrotBot: Better Than a Beest
TrotBot is a high-stepping walker inspired by Strandbeest-style motion and built with LEGO-compatible elements. Its visible linkage makes it a natural fit for families, classrooms, and makers interested in mechanical design. It can be useful even before adding sophisticated software: a walking linkage demonstrates motion through mechanics, but is not necessarily an autonomous, sensor-driven robot. Parts substitutions may change how smoothly the mechanism works.
Color-Sensing Sound Sequencer
This interactive project uses colored LEGO elements to trigger or sequence sounds. It is a good route into sensing, event logic, and physical computing without beginning with navigation or balance control. Its main compatibility question is how the original sensor and electronics interface with the parts you can obtain now.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Rank #2
- MATERIAL: Unfinished wood robot shape craft are made of good quality natural wood, laser cut and polished, Eco-friendly, with smooth surface, easy to paint and write.
- SIZE: Approx. 3.9 x 3.4 x 0.1 inch / 10 x 8.5 x 0.25 cm, DIY craft as you like.
- DELICATE DESIGN：Wooden blank robot shaped design hanging ornaments, with a hole and rope, Perfect for using as tags, party board, classroom board.
- PACKAGE: 30 Pieces robot shaped wood cutouts crafts with ropes, you may stain, drill, curve and decorate them as you like.
- WIDE APPLICATION: These robot wood crafts decor are also ideal for hangers, card making, embellishments, scrap booking, decoupage, sign making and many other art and craft projects.
My Mini Mars Rover
The issue describes a low-cost sample-return-style rover associated with the NASA Centennial Challenge. Treat it as an educational design project, not NASA-approved or flight-qualified hardware. The name evokes planetary exploration; it does not mean the machine is suitable for actual space deployment.
The Little Boat That Could
This solar-powered autonomous boat is best read as an engineering case study, not assumed to be a ready-to-build weekend plan. A long autonomous journey brings together energy management, waterproofing, navigation, communications, and recovery planning. The issue’s listing alone does not establish that it provides a complete, current construction package.
Robot kits and ROS
The issue also surveys programmable robot kits and includes “Smooth Servo Control with ROS.” The kit discussion is a historical overview: related Volume 55 material dates to January and February 2017, so products and ecosystems mentioned then may no longer be sold or supported. Today, when comparing a kit, distinguish block-based coding from Python or other text-based programming, Arduino-style firmware, and proprietary ecosystems. Also check open hardware/software support, classroom management features, and replacement-part availability.
Rank #3
- Easy Assembly: Simplified design structure for quick and easy installation. Robot car chassis kit dimensions: 5.91 x 3.94 x 1.97 inches. Equipped with 4 batteries in the size AA battery compartment and a convenient switch, facilitating overall usage.
- Educational STEM Toy: Perfect for kids and adults alike, this kit fosters a hands-on learning experience in programming and electronics. With 20 wire speed encoders, you can quickly build a closed-loop system to measure speed and distance, enhancing STEM education in a fun and interactive way.
- Versatile Functionality: Multi-functional robot kit enabling obstacle avoidance, tracking, speed measurement, and more. Includes L298N drive module, 4 tracking modules, and 51 control units seamlessly integrated for a comprehensive learning experience.
- Comes with a tutorial for easy setup and learning, suitable as a gift because of its stylish attractive design. Great for hands-on learning, exploring and developing an interest in science and technology.
- Customer Support: We offer technical assistance, and refund services for any issues you may encounter. Beginners are advised to have guidance during the learning process to maximize the kit's potential.
The ROS feature can introduce the idea of using shared robotics software to control motion, but its setup instructions should not be treated as current. ROS distributions, operating-system support, package names, and hardware interfaces change. Verify the current ROS documentation and the project’s own requirements before choosing hardware.
Arduino-class boards are generally a good fit for direct sensor and actuator control. Raspberry Pi-class computers are better suited to Linux, networking, cameras, and higher-level applications. The issue identifies platforms in broad terms; do not infer exact board revisions from the issue overview alone.
There is more than robotics
Other contents include Raspberry Potter, a Raspberry Pi-controlled lamp operated with a gesture-recognizing wand; PIX-E, a 3D-printed GIF camera; and LED Matrix Handbag 2.0, which pairs a light-up purse with a phone. The issue also lists a DIY evaporative air conditioner, a hidden-switch random yes/no circuit, a 20-watt stereo amplifier with lighting effects, and an LED-and-embroidery “beating heart” project.
Rank #4
- ♥Robot Arm Building Kit: this mini robot kit will provide the required hardware and tools to show you how to build a robot kit step by step. NOTE: You need to prepare two batteries.
- ♥Flexible 4DF Arm Robot: The 4-axis design robotic arm is flexible and can grab objects in any direction. The clip can be opened 260°, the wrist can be rotated 180°, the elbow can be rotated 180°, and the base can be rotated 180°.
- ♥Easy To Build And Learn: we provide easy-to-follow assembly and programming tutorials, as well as quick-response after-sales and technical support.
- ♥Remember and Repeat Actions: not only the desk robot hand can be controlled by the joystick we provide, it can also record up to 170 actions and repeat these actions once.
- ♥Great Gift: this mini robot arm is a DIY electronic kit for Adults/Beginners/Teens to improve building, coding and programming skills.
Beyond builds, the contents include hand-sewn leather techniques, multimeter instruction, cordless angle-grinder and pocket-screwdriver reviews, family and science-fair projects, maker showcases, and a review of a Prusa i3 kit from Folger Tech. These features help explain why the issue may appeal to general makers even if not every article is about robots.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What you may need before starting
Requirements vary by project. Before buying anything, check the individual instructions for the exact board, sensor, motor, and fabrication files. At a broad level, relevant supplies may include:
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems- Electronics bench: a multimeter, wire, connectors, breadboard or soldering tools, and a computer for programming.
- Control hardware: an Arduino-compatible board or Raspberry Pi, depending on the project, plus appropriate motor drivers or servo-control hardware.
- Motion and sensing parts: motors, servos, and project-specific sensors. Do not assume a substitute is compatible just because it has the same general purpose.
- Power: a suitable battery and charger, selected against the actual project specifications.
- Fabrication: LEGO-compatible Technic elements, 3D-printed parts, or access to a printer, depending on the build.
- Optional video hardware: an FPV camera and compatible video equipment for projects that use it.
The issue’s overview does not provide complete electrical specifications, so do not guess voltage, current, battery chemistry, or connector type from a project name. For robotics builds, check motor stall current against the controller rating, use appropriate power arrangements for motors and logic, and confirm grounding requirements. Servos can cause power dips; Li-ion and LiPo batteries need compatible charging and safe handling. Keep exposed wiring and small parts away from young children, and avoid overloading USB ports or regulators.
Best Value
How to use this older issue today
- Pick one project that matches your experience. TrotBot is a mechanical starting point; EddiePlus and Chip-E involve more control or assembly challenges.
- Find its companion article or project repository. The Volume 55 archive can help locate related material, but the existence of a listing does not guarantee every link or file still works.
- Confirm the bill of materials and exact hardware. Check board revisions, connectors, electrical ratings, and whether printed files or other plans are available before ordering.
- Check software versions and support. Old Arduino libraries, Python dependencies, Raspberry Pi OS behavior, camera interfaces, or ROS commands may no longer match current systems.
- Change one component at a time. A new motor, sensor, servo, or board may require different wiring or code. Isolate power, motors, and sensors as you test rather than troubleshooting several substitutions at once.
- Keep the magazine’s diagrams as a design reference. Record substitutions and wiring changes so you can retrace them when something behaves differently.
Common mechanical issues include loose printed joints, backlash in walking linkages, incorrect servo neutral positions, frame flex, poor traction, and battery placement shifting a robot’s balance. Software snags can include missing libraries, changed package repositories, serial-port permissions, network setup, and incompatible camera APIs. These are reasons to verify the project first, not evidence that every build will fail.
Is it worth buying?
Consider it if you want a range of project ideas, enjoy expressive motion such as walking or balancing, have access to basic electronics or fabrication tools, and are willing to adapt older instructions. It can also suit educators and families, especially for visible mechanical projects, with age-appropriate supervision.
Look elsewhere if you need a complete kit with all parts included, turnkey current software, modern AI or computer vision coverage, up-to-date ROS 2 instruction, or a guaranteed current bill of materials. A contemporary beginner kit may be a better starting purchase if you lack tools and want supported, ready-to-build hardware.
Make’s official issue page links to the back issue, and the Maker Shed listing showed a digital edition at $7.99 and a print price of $9.99 on August 18, 2026. The same page reported digital availability, but print status was contradictory: the visible page suggested it was ready to ship while product data indicated zero inventory and unavailable. Check the listing at checkout rather than relying on either print signal. Prices and availability can change; shipping is calculated at checkout.
If you want ongoing issues rather than this specific historical volume, Make’s subscription page advertises four issues a year and savings of more than 40% against annual cover price. No current subscription price is established here, so check the signup page for its present offer.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
