Vex Robotics

For the more serious robot hobbiest, Vex makes two kits, the Vexplorer (partnered with Revell) and the full-blown Vex kits. The Vexplorer is a great introductory kit because it has all the parts to build a radio-controlled bot with a wireless color camera and a gripping arm. At the moment, the $300 kit is selling for under $125. This is an awesome deal. The same robotic kits are starting to be used for a lot of engineering school challenges. The more full-blown Vex kits start at $300 to $500.