Topobo Construction Kit With Kinetic Memory

Just what is kinetic memory? Well, it basically means you are able to teach the small motors in the various joints of this construction kit simply by twisting and shaping it physically with your hands. While some parts will respond straightaway, others will move depending on how the “queen” part moves, mimicking her movements. This is a joint collaboration between Hayes Raffle, Amanda Parkes, Hiroshi Ishii and the MIT Media Lab, so you won’t be able to find in on toy store shelves anytime soon. The starter kit is super expensive though since it has yet to be commercialized – an “Experimenter Set” with 2 motors will cost $500, while the 24-motor, 1,000-piece “Classroom Set” is going for 10 times that amount.