Build an Automaton
Build a simple hand-crank automaton using cardboard, wooden dowels, cams, and glue to make moving figures while learning basic mechanisms and motion.
About this activity
Build a simple hand-crank automaton using cardboard, wooden dowels, cams, and glue to make moving figures while learning basic mechanisms and motion.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Cut a rectangle from cardboard about 30 cm by 12 cm to make the base.
- 2
Step 2
Cut two upright support pieces from cardboard and add a slot in each sized for the dowel to sit in.
- 3
Step 3
Glue the two support pieces upright onto the base near each end so the slots face each other.
- 4
Step 4
Slide the wooden dowel through the slots to create a rotating axle across the supports.
- 5
Step 5
Cut two or three cardboard discs and shape each disc with an off-center lobe to make simple cams.
- 6
Step 6
Slide the cams onto the dowel and add beads or washers between them so each cam can turn freely.
- 7
Step 7
Glue a short dowel or skewer perpendicular to one end of the axle to act as a crank handle.
- 8
Step 8
Cut two follower rods from thin cardboard strips or use skewers to reach from the cams down toward the base.
- 9
Step 9
Glue the top end of each follower under a cam lobe so the cam will lift the follower as it turns.
- 10
Step 10
Cut two small cardboard figures to attach to the followers.
- 11
Step 11
Colour or decorate the cardboard figures with markers or crayons if you like.
- 12
Step 12
Glue each figure to the bottom end of a follower rod so the figures will move when the cams turn.
- 13
Step 13
Turn the crank slowly to watch your automaton figures move and check that everything spins freely.
- 14
Step 14
Share your finished automaton on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I build a simple hand-crank automaton?
Start by sketching a simple moving figure and the motion you want (lift, rock, or bounce). Cut cardboard bases and cams from stiff cardboard or thin plywood. Insert a wooden dowel through the base as an axle; mount cams on the axle spaced to lift connecting rods attached to your figure. Add a crank handle to the axle, secure parts with glue or tape, and test. Adjust cam shape or rod length until motion is smooth.
What materials do I need to build a cardboard and dowel automaton?
You'll need cardboard or thin plywood for the base and cams, wooden dowels for axles, skewers or thin rods for connecting pieces, strong glue (PVA or hot glue), a craft knife or scissors, a cutting mat, ruler, pencil, washers or bushings to reduce friction, and a simple handle or bent wire for a crank. Optional: paints, markers, and small clamps to hold pieces while glue dries.
What ages is a hand-crank automaton suitable for?
This activity suits children about 7 years and older who can safely use scissors and small tools with supervision. Children aged 4–6 enjoy helping with drawing, painting, gluing, and attaching figures while an adult handles cutting and dowel assembly. Teens can create more complex cams and linkages. Always supervise sharp tools and hot glue, and simplify steps for younger children to match their fine motor skills.
What are the benefits and safety tips for making an automaton, and how can I vary it?
Building an automaton teaches basic mechanics, cause-and-effect, problem-solving, and fine motor skills. It encourages creativity through design and decoration. For safety, supervise cutting, sanding, and hot glue use; wear protective gloves and keep small parts away from toddlers. To vary the project, change cam shapes for different motions, add multiple figures, use gears for speed changes, or try mixed materials like foam or balsa for lighter moving parts.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
I can't find a wooden dowel or beads—what can I use instead for the axle and spacers?
Use a sturdy pencil or chopstick as the dowel axle and replace beads/washers with small buttons or tightly folded paper between the cardboard cams so they still spin freely.
My axle is hard to turn after I 'Turn the crank slowly'; what should I check and fix?
Check that the cardboard slots aren't too tight and widen them slightly, ensure the cams have beads/washers or folded-paper spacers between them, and realign or trim any follower or figure that rubs the base so the axle can rotate freely.
How can I adapt this automaton activity for different ages?
For preschoolers, have an adult pre-cut the 30 cm × 12 cm base, supports with slots, and let them slide the dowel and glue pre-made figures, while older kids can design multiple off-center cam lobes, experiment with cam shapes, and attach skewers as crank handles themselves.
What are simple ways to enhance or personalize the finished automaton?
Glue extra cardboard cams and follower rods for more complex movement, decorate the cardboard figures with markers or crayons, and optionally replace the hand crank with a small battery motor attached to the dowel for continuous motion to film and share on DIY.org.