Bringing Wood and Wires to Life: The EGONE RoboPet Workshop at TinkerTank, Ludwigsburg

What happens when you combine laser-cut wooden frames, a small DC motor, a soldering iron, and a dose of wild imagination? You get a wobbly army of custom robotic pets, each with its own personality, playful movement, and unique story.

Back in November 2025, the international Fab-Maker project officially kicked off its cross-border journey in Ludwigsburg, Germany. Hosted at the inspiring creative learning hub TinkerTank, representatives from Czech and German makerspaces dived headfirst into hands-on making with the EGONE RoboPet Workshop.

This session perfectly demonstrated how introductory electronics and soldering can be made accessible, rewarding, and fun for creators of all skill levels.

From Laser-Cut Shapes to Wobbly Mobile Robots

Led by Sebastian Finkl from TeamWerk Aschheim, the workshop guided participants step by step through the process of assembling and bringing their own robotic companions to life. The activity seamlessly connects precise mechanical assembly with open-ended artistic craft:

• Assembly & Mechanics: Participants began by constructing the lightweight body from laser-cut wooden components and mounting a small DC motor into the frame.
• Personalization & Craft: Using various decorative materials, makers gave their robots unique characters—adding ears, eyes, vibrant patterns, and playful accessories.
• Introductory Soldering: The technical climax involved soldering the electrical connections between the motor and the battery holder. For many, it served as a safe, low-barrier first experience with a soldering iron.
• A Playful Finale: The workshop wrapped up with a thrilling "RoboPet sprint race" and a fun "beauty contest," giving everyone a chance to test their creations and celebrate individual designs.

Why This Workshop is a Gem for Every Makerspace

Originally designed for children aged 6–14, the EGONE RoboPet activity proved to be equally captivating for adults, makerspace managers, and educators. For open workshops, it offers an ideal format: it requires only basic tools and inexpensive components, fits entirely into two portable transport boxes, and combines craft, mechanics, and basic electronics within a single session.

Open Source Resources for Your Workshop

In line with the Fab-Maker mission to share know-how without barriers, all workshop documentation, assembly guides, and design files are available as Open Educational Resources (OER)[cite: 12, 14, 15]:

• GitHub Repository (Instructions & Code): github.com/BastiinaBOX/Egone_en
  
• Parametric Onshape 3D Design Files: Onshape CAD Document
  
  

Get Involved with Fab-Maker!

The workshop at TinkerTank showcased how European makerspaces connect technical education with community joy.
Coordinated by Make more (CZ) and Verbund Offener Werkstätten (DE), the Fab-Maker project works to ensure that these practical learning models are documented and accessible to community workshops across Europe.

Want to experience the maker movement in action? Follow our journey at fabmaker.eu and join us for our final international conference and interactive workshops taking place directly during Maker Faire Prague 2027 on May 22–23!

CHECK OUT THE WHOLE GALLERY HERE.