Introduction: Toy Hacking

By Nestworks
About: Nestworks is a social enterprise based in Shanghai. We are a platform to facilitate the development of new technologies, such as smart hardware, software, or wearable tech, that improve the lives of the elderl…

ALL CHILDREN LEARN BEST THROUGH PLAY. BUT NOT ALL TOYS ARE CREATED EQUAL.

TOY HACKING IS A WAY TO HAVE FUN LEARNING ABOUT MAKING AND HACKING WHILE DOING SOMETHING GOOD FOR LESS FORTUNATE KIDS AT THE SAME TIME.

Here you can find step by step instructions on how to hack a remote controlled toy car and create a new remote controller that is also playable by children who are physically challenged. Watch our instructional video. The Step by Step Guide shown here is also available as a PDF.

Attachments

Step 1: Choosing the Right Kind of Toy

Step 2: Opening the Toy's Remote Control

Step 3: Getting to Know the Circuitry

Step 4: Testing With the Multimeter

Step 5: Preparing the Wires

Step 6: Soldering the Wires (fun Times Ahead!)

Step 7: Testing Your Soldering Handiwork

Step 8: Neaten Things Up

Step 9: The Buttons

Step 10: Soldering the Buttons

Step 11: Assembling the Remote Control Box

Step 12: Testing Out the Remote

Step 13: Finishing Up

Step 14: What Next?

Step 15: Shout Outs!

Special thanks to those who collaborated in the making of the Nestworks Toy Hack Instructional Video:

Lutz (of the hands in the video) and Drink (laser cutter extraordinaire) from DF Robot/Mushroom Cloud Makerspace, Shanghai

Jonathan (cameraman of immense patience) from Shanghai American School

Toy Hacking came to Shanghai thanks to Marianne from NYU Shanghai who turned us onto DIYAbility.org whose toy hacking in NYC inspired ours

About Nestworks:

Nestworks is a social enterprise based in Shanghai. We are a platform to facilitate the development of new technologies, such as smart hardware, software, or wearable tech, that improve the lives of the elderly and disabled. We spur on the development of these assistive tech products or services by connecting thinkers and doers, and helping them to tap into China’s makers and collaborative manufacturing communities. Visit the Nestworks website here to find out more.