With this card kit you will be able to build your own automata / moving sculpture with working parts and create a story with animated characters.

It’s designed for all ages and abilities. You can explore the mechanics of cams, drives and cranks using the push fit components provided. Be inspired by the mechanisms and movement to experiment with the assortment of craft materials to create quirky scenes. It’s also ideal for adding found and recycled materials of your own. The base box is sturdy card which will last for many experiments.

This versatile kit allows you to vary the mechanisms and change and adapt your creative scenes.

Working parts contained in the kit include:

• 2 cams
• 4 cam followers
• 2 bearings
• a pre-cut cardboard box
• 3 chopsticks
• 1 handle
• 2 support pieces
• Assorted craft materials
• Instructions booklet with a link to a How-To video

View a gallery of example projects to get inspired here.
Cardboard Automata Kit Gallery Padlet

This tried and tested kit has been enjoyed by visitors to our exhibitions and accompanying workshops for over 10 years. It has also been part of our online Automata Tinkering Global Workshops since 2020.

Share your creations using #CMTmaking and join the community of CMT automata making.

Example projects designed by Lou Cousin.
Kit design: Stephen Guy/Fire The Inventor
© Cabaret Mechanical Theatre 2022

Warning! This is not a toy. Not suitable for children under 3 years. Adult supervision is required.