Bristlebot Building 
Challenge 
Technology 

Overview 
Do you think you could build a robot on the head of a toothbrush? Bristlebots are
simple, tiny robots that buzz around like bugs. They are easy to build and fun to play
with, and you do not need any previous experience with robotics to make one. You
can even build an obstacle course to challenge your bristlebot! Move on to the
Materials​ section to see what parts you need to build bristlebots, and the instructions
for step-by-step directions on how to build them.

 
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Materials 
● Coin Cell Battery 

● Vibration Motor

● Toothbrush Head with the handle cut off

● Small Piece of double-sided foam tape

● Googly Eyes

● Pipe Cleaner

● Masking Tape

● Measuring Tape (Cloth)

● 6 Cardboard Strips

● 12 Straws

● Bouncy Ball

The Goal 
To create a bristlebot that can move independently for at least 5 seconds. After you
build your bristlebot, create a vertical obstacle course to challenge your bristlebot.
Race it against a bouncy ball!

 
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Design 
Step 1​: ​Apply a piece of double-sided tape the opposite side of the bristles.You may
cut the double sided tape to make it fit if needed.

Step 2:​ Once the double-sided tape has been applied, mount the vibration motor on
top of it. Stick the head of the motor on the front of the bristle. Apply pressure and
use tape if needed to hold down. Make sure that the propellor of the motor is sticking
out so that it can vibrate properly. The propeller spins which causes the bristle to
vibrate so if it is stuck on the tape, it will not be able to move.

Propeller is sticking out and not touching the tape. ^

Step 3:​ Place the ​red wire​ of the motor on the tape in the middle of the bristle and
keep the​ blue motor ​wire in the air. Press firmly on the ​red wire​ to make sure it stays
in place. This is important because the coin cell battery will be going directly on top
of the red wire.

 
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Step 4:​ Mount the coin cell battery onto the double-sided tape on top of the​ red wire,
with the positive side (side with writing on it) facing down. The negative side (smooth
side) should be facing up. Make sure the battery makes contact with the​ red wire
that is on the tape already.

Negative Side of Battery (Smooth)

Positive Side of Battery (Writing)

Step 5:​ ​Once the motor and battery have been mounted, you can add the pipe
cleaner legs. These legs are not just for decoration as they help stabilize the robot.
Bend the pipe cleaner legs down and place them in between the battery and motor.
Make the legs on the smaller side so that the bristlebot has an easier time moving
through the obstacle course. Feel free to cut the pipe cleaners to your liking to fit the
bristlebot.

Step 6: ​This part is optional and not needed for the bristlebot to function properly.
Add eyes and any other robot decorations you want. This is a great way to show
your individuality and make your bristlebot unique!

 
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Your Bristlebot is Complete! 

Now is the time to fire up your bristlebot and see if it works. Put the ​blue wire​ on top
of the negative side of the ​coin cell battery (smooth side). Use the double sided tape or 
masking tape to hold it down. You may need to apply pressure or maneuver the​ blue 
wire​ to get it to stick and move on its own. As long as the​ blue wire​ is touching the 
battery, it should move immediately, the difficult part is just taping it down, but with a 
little pressure and determination, it will work. 

   

 
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Now, get creative! 

Build and Test an Obstacle Course 

Using the box that your supplies came in, along with additional materials from the kit
(and anything else you may find at home or in the classroom!), build a vertical
obstacle course for your bristlebot. Make sure to include ramps that slope downward
to give your bristlebot momentum. Use straws to create guides along the cardboard,
for a smooth ride down for your bristlebot and bouncy ball. Get creative! Include
obstacles, drop tubes, and decorations. Have fun!!!

Let’s Race!!! 
Bristlebot Instructional Video

https://youtu.be/3dalQqpeLkY

We are now going to send the bristlebot and the bouncy ball through your amazing,
unique obstacle course!

● Make a prediction, which object (bristlebot or bouncy ball) will navigate the
obstacle course faster?!

I think the bristlebot/bouncy ball (circle one) will navigate the obstacle course
faster.

 
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● Send your bristlebot through your obstacle course and time how long it takes
to make it all the way to the end. If your bristlebot takes longer than 1 minute,
convert the total time to seconds and round to the nearest second (1 minute
= 60 seconds).

● Without using any measuring tools. Estimate the total length

● Use your measuring tape to measure the ​total​ length of the path that the
bristlebot took through the obstacle course. Round to the nearest inch.

● To find the unit rate for your bristlebot, divide your total length by the time, be
sure to include units.
total length
time
=

● Send your bouncy ball through your obstacle course and time how long it
takes to make it all the way to the end. If your bouncy ball takes longer than 1

 
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minute, convert the total time (1 minute = 60 seconds) to seconds and round
to the nearest second.

● Use your measuring tape to measure the ​total​ length of the path that the
bouncy ball took through the obstacle course. Round to the nearest inch.

● To find the unit rate for your bouncy ball, divide your total length by the time,
be sure to include units.
total length
time
=

● Compare the unit rates of the bristlebot versus the bouncy ball. Which was
faster?

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