Introduction: Shrink Bot (Shrinky Dink Robot)

By The Maker Studio @ Science City
About: The Maker Studio is a museum makerspace at Science City in Kansas City, MO. To see more of our creations follow us on Instagram @The_Maker_Studio or @ScienceCityKC

Make a wiggly, wobbly plastic robot in just a few minutes!

Step 1: Gather Materials

  • Shrinky Dink sheets (acetate sanded on one side)
  • Colored Pencils
  • Scissors
  • Hole Punch
  • Toaster Oven
  • Foil
  • Paper Clips

Step 2: Cut Shrinky Dink Shapes

Cut your shrinky dink material into robot body parts; Head, Body, 2 Arms, 2 Legs. Punch holes so you can connect the body parts together later. One @ the top of the head, one @ the bottom of the head. Five in the body; 1 for the neck, 2 for the arms, 2 for the legs. One in each arm & leg. (See photo.)

Step 3: Color

Color onto the rough side with colored pencils. Place on aluminum foil- spaced out so they don't touch- & toaster oven rack.

Step 4: Bake

Bake at 350 degrees for 1-2 minutes. Watch. You will see it curl up at first- see photo above. (You spaced the out so that when they curl they don't stick onto each other) Don't worry, it will flatten out soon! Keep an eye on it.

Step 5: Connect Robot Parts

Let the robot pieces cool down (1-2 min). Attach your robot's pieces with paper clips (or twisted wires). Yay robot!!!

Visit the Maker Studio @ Kansas City's Science Center, Science City for daily maker activities!