They say that Michelangelo saw a masterpiece in every block of stone. Some of these creative minds see a robot in a pile of household junk.  More precisely – a junk robot, or junkbot as they’re called.  Little metal creations made from discarded appliances.

• Don’t miss: Inspiration: Robotics and Steampunk Ray Gun Gallery

With sensitivity and imagination, these craftsmen have taken e-waste recycling to an art form. Instead of the trash can these robo figures can be placed on your mantelpiece. It takes a little understanding of electronics and little skill with the soldering iron. Beyond that, it’s all creative inspiration.

Miniature Motorcycles

These may not lap around the circuit but they have been fashioned from one. The sculptor has put together little motorcycle models from transistors and other electronic parts.  Capacitors as handlebar mirrors…that’s an example of the careful detailing that has gone into these miniature bikes. These look ready to burn some rubber.

“Batteries not Included” Robots

Made from parts of old kitchen appliances, cell phones, computer parts, video game controllers and other throwaways, some of them can even blink back at you with their little red eyes. You almost wish they could come alive.

Sidewalk Sculptures
Let’s scale up and visit this auto parts shop in Moscow. These life size robots will make you pause just before you step into the shop. All made from old and used car parts, they look like they belong on the sidewalk. For these you might have to drop the soldering iron or the welder torch.

Even More Circuitry Art:

Trash to treasure sounds like a nice name and an eco-age art form. Check out some of the recycle art we have covered before. And do your bit for the environment.

• Inspiration: Robotics and Steampunk Ray Gun Gallery
• New Uses for Old Electronics
• Incredible Circuitry Art with Spare Parts

See all our robotics projects:

1. DIY Home Automation Tutorial
2. Make your own Telepresence Robot
3. Incredible Custom Wall-E Robot

Vibrobots are dirt simple, dirt stupid “robots” that run essentially on just a battery and vibration motor. By attaching say…a toothbrush head, paint, feelers, or any peripheral, you can turn this simple motor and battery combo into unique robots.

• Bristlebot for example is attached to the head of the toothbrush. The vibrations cause the bristles to pulsate, creating forward motion.
• Next up we have the water strider robot. Again, this dirt simple robot attached to some wire to create surface tension. The tiny vibrations drive the robot to move across the water surface.

Although they aren’t exactly incredibly useful, they’repretty fun to create. Check out more here

Batteries and motors for your projects can be found in the HacknMod Store. Join the thousands of satisfied do-it-yourselfers and order your project parts today.