This is an excellent beginner series robot that your child will enjoy. The robot moves as if it is alive by turning and stopping motors on the right and left sides. It is controlled by black and white patterns on a disk, which are read by an infrared sensor. To change a movement program, simply change the speed variation on the 3-speed gearbox. Set your course and explore with this battery-operated kit that can teach the basics of robotic sensing and locomotion. It is an educational tool that allows you to have fun and think while studying electronic circuits and mechanical assemblies. It features a pre-assembled printed circuit board, hardware, and mechanical drive system that will be easy for older children to handle. Basic hand tools are required for assembly. Assembling, building and following instructions will help develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. This is a great product for science fair projects, after-school programs and science enrichment camps, at home with the whole family and classroom activities. Four "AA " alkaline batteries (not included) are required for the power source.