Power Wheels Wild Thing Modified Especially for Ethan

Student robotics can be fun and educational, but using these skills to help others takes takes things to a whole new level. Students from First Robotics Competion team 1939 at the Barstow School in Kansas City, Missouri did just that, modifying a Fisher-Price Power Wheels toy in order for Ethan Jones to use it.

Accommodations for Jones’ needs included modifying the vehicle, which has two driving wheels and a corresponding pair of joysticks, to be controlled with just one. They also created a safety cage out of PVC pipe and pool noodles, and added increased back support for the user. Finally, they added an optional ultrasonic sensor to help detect obstacles, as well as a potentiometer for (parental) speed adjustment.

All of this is controlled via an Adafruit Trinket board, though it’s noted that any type of Arduino would work. Of especial note for potential rideable toy hackers is that the Wild Things is driven in much the same as many simple robots, in a sort of tank configuration. This makes is a great platform for modification, and perhaps we’ll see this vehicle used in more assistive or general robotics builds in the future.

Technical considerations aside, it looks like Jones thoroughly enjoys his new ride, and we hope it brings him many hours of enjoyment! You can see more of this amazing project here.