Build your own interactive monsters, powered by Crickit! 

It doesn't take exotic materials to build your own animatronic friend, just a few paper cups, craft supplies, a couple of servos, and a Circuit Playground Express with CRICKIT!

This guide shows how program these crafty monsters with both Microsoft MakeCode - a block-based programming system that's easy for anyone to use, and CircuitPython, a Python-based language that is the perfect introduction to higher-level programming.  

Parts Used

1 x Adafruit CRICKIT for Circuit Playground Express
Creative Robotics and Interactive Construction Kit is an add-on to our popular Circuit Playground Express that lets you #MakeRobotFriend using CircuitPython
1 x Circuit Playground Express
Circuit Playground Express is the perfect introduction to electronics and programming
3 x Micro Servo
This little servo can rotate approximately 180 degrees (90 in each direction). Works just like standard servos you're used to but smaller.
1 x Micro USB cable
Standard A to micro-B USB cable - 3ft
1 x Alkaline AA batteries - 3 pack
These batteries are good quality at a good price, and work fantastic with any of the kits or projects that use AAs.
1 x 3xAA holder with DC jack
Battery holder 3xAA batteries with 2.1mm DC jack
1 x 5V 2A (2000mA) switching power supply
Power supply that gives a clean regulated 5V output at up to 2000mA, 110 or 240 volt AC input

Materials & Tools

To build this project you'll need:

  • Paper cups (this set is a good size and includes many colors)
  • Hot glue and glue gun
  • Pipe cleaners for decoration
  • Scissors
  • Scrap cardboard
  • Optional: googly eyes for facial features, yarn for hair/fur

This guide was first published on Oct 11, 2018. It was last updated on Mar 08, 2024.

This page (Overview) was last updated on Mar 08, 2024.

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