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variAnt – Programmable Robot Ant Kit with 12 Sensors
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Description
- Program your own intelligent robotic ant
- Patented sensor technology and patented walking mechanism
- 12 sensors for light, line, and obstacle detection
- Arduino-compatible and ideal for your own robotics projects
- A hands-on introduction to programming, electronics, and robotics
The variAnt robotic ant is a programmable robot kit for teenagers, adults, makers, and technology enthusiasts who want to do more than just learn about robotics—they want to create it themselves. Inspired by an ant, variAnt combines sensors, electronics, mechanics, and programming in a versatile learning and experimentation platform.
A unique feature of variAnt is its patented sensor technology and patented walking mechanism. The sensor system enables precise perception of the environment, while the specially developed leg mechanism creates the characteristic walking motion of the robotic ant.
Once assembled, you will have a fully programmable robot capable of sensing and responding to its surroundings. Equipped with 12 sensors, variAnt can detect light sources, lines, obstacles, and movement. Custom behaviors and functions can be developed, tested, and refined directly on the robot.
At the heart of variAnt is an Arduino-compatible microcontroller, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced makers. From simple walking behaviors and line-following tasks to sophisticated robotic control systems, the possibilities are virtually endless.
The numerous sensors provide detailed information about the robot's surroundings and enable exciting experiments in robotics, artificial behavior, and autonomous navigation. Its open architecture encourages users to implement their own ideas and continuously expand the robot's capabilities.
Building variAnt teaches practical skills in electronics, mechanics, and programming. Step by step, individual components are transformed into a powerful robotic system that can be reprogrammed and customized again and again.
With its unique combination of learning, experimentation, and creative development, variAnt is an excellent choice for schools, makerspaces, robotics clubs, and anyone looking to explore robotics in greater depth.
The variAnt robot kit has been awarded the prestigious German "spiel gut" seal of approval.
Package Contents
- 345-piece robot kit including electronics, sensors, motors, and mechanical components
- Arduino Nano-compatible controller board
- Rechargeable Li-Ion battery (9 V / 500 mAh) with USB-C charging port
Additional Items Required
- Side cutters, flat-nose pliers, utility knife, and permanent marker
- Computer with USB port
- Arduino IDE (available free of charge)
- USB-C cable
Recommended Age: 14 years and up
Assembly Time: Approx. 8 hours
Arduino-compatible
12 sensors
Programmable using the Arduino IDE
Comprehensive building and programming manual included
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Refund Policy
If you are not satisfied with a product purchased from the Site, you may request a return within 30 days from the delivery date, unless the product is listed under the Return Exceptions below or is subject to specific return conditions noted on the product page.
This return policy also applies, as a minimum standard, to products sold and fulfilled by third-party vendors through the Marketplace.
Please review the Return Conditions, Return Exceptions and the process on How to Request a Return Authorization (RA) before initiating a return request.
European consumers exercising their statutory Right of Withdrawal are subject to different conditions. See the Statutory Right of Withdrawal.
Returns under this policy concern non-defective products. In the case of a confirmed manufacturing defect, remedies are handled under the Warranty terms, at the Vendor's discretion. See the Warranty section.
Return Conditions
To qualify for a refund under the 30-day return policy, all of the following conditions must be met:
- A valid Return Authorization (RA) number must be obtained prior to returning the product. Returns without an RA number will be refused.
- The RA number is valid for 30 days. The returned item must be received within that period.
- The RA number must be included with the return.
- Products must be returned in unused, unmodified condition (e.g., no scratches, alterations, missing parts, or signs of installation/use) and in their original packaging, suitable for resale.
- Shipping fees are non-refundable. Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer, except in cases of a product confirmed defective through RobotShop's troubleshooting process or of a verified shipping error by RobotShop.
- Refunds are processed within 7 days after receipt and inspection of the returned item.
- A €100 cleaning fee may apply to domestic robots returned in used or unclean condition.
- A 20% restocking fee may apply to large-quantity returns of items ordered specifically for the customer from the manufacturer or not part of RobotShop's standard inventory.
Return Exceptions
The following products are not eligible for return or refund under this policy:
- Used, damaged, or modified products — Items that show signs of use, wear, or alteration, making them unsuitable for resale.
- Consumables * — Use and wear-and-tear components, altered or depleted through use (e.g., batteries, belts, brushes, gears, filament, tires, disposable bags, lubricants, greases, waxes, etc.). Not eligible for return once opened or used.
- Perishables — Goods liable to deteriorate or expire rapidly. Not eligible for return.
- Sealed goods (health or hygiene) — Items sealed for health-protection or hygiene reasons (e.g., masks, gloves, odor-absorbing products). Not eligible for return once unsealed.
- Build-it-yourself products and items requiring customer assembly * — Including robots & kits, robot parts, and other products requiring assembly or soldering. Not eligible for return once assembled, soldered, or installed.
- Digital Goods, Software, and Apps * — Final sale only, due to licensing restrictions.
- Clearance Items * — Products identified as clearance or final sale, including end-of-life or discontinued items.
- Custom-made, personalized, or special-order items — Products manufactured, configured, adapted, or built to the customer's own specifications and requirements.
- On-Demand Items * — Standard catalogue products not stocked by RobotShop and ordered specifically to fulfill a customer request.
- Professional & Specialized Equipment — See the Professional & Specialized Equipment Warranty page and Professional & Institutional Buyers (B2B) section in the Terms & Conditions.
* European consumers retain their statutory Right of Withdrawal on these items. Its exercise is subject to the conditions and exclusions set out in the Statutory Right of Withdrawal, and any reimbursement may be reduced to reflect a loss in value resulting from handling beyond inspection.
How to Request a Return Authorization (RA)
While the same return policy applies, these orders require a separate contact process for returns.
- RobotShop Fulfilled Orders → submit a support ticket from your account under My Support Tickets, or contact us through our Support Center.
- Marketplace Vendor Orders → submit a ticket from your account under My Marketplace Tickets to contact the vendor directly.
Note: Marketplace vendor products are normally labelled with SKUs starting with RM, and identified on the product page with the mention "Sold and fulfilled by [Vendor Name]".