Build a series of wacky, motorised robots with this introductory mechanical engineering kit for kids ages five and up. The best bit is the beautifully illustrated 32-page storybook which  centres around the adventures of the Omegas — the family of makers and engineers featured in other Thames & Kosmos Kids First early engineering kits. This story takes the characters to a robot factory where the robots have gotten a little out of control. One by one, the robots are fixed up and put back into working order. As they follow the story, kids can build models of 8 different robots and experiment with them to see how each one uses the battery-powered motor, gears, and other mechanical parts. Each robot moves its arms or legs in a different way, creating funny walking and moving behaviours, and also teaching kids how simple mechanical systems work. Large, cubic plastic building pieces make it easy for small hands to put the models together. Robot Factory provides an engaging way to teach simple engineering concepts to young children, allowing parents, teachers, and caregivers to lay the groundwork for strong STEM-related skills and comprehension at an early age. Model building and experiments develop fine motor skill, mechanical engineering skills, visual-spatial skills, and reasoning and concept development skills. Includes gorgeous storybook manual. Requires 2 AA batteries. Ages 5 to 7.