Powering toys - Toys powering

Originally, toys worked with a mechanical systems, often in very sophisticated ways.
Today, many toys are powered by disposable batteries, causing environmental hazards. Why, if it can be much more fun and better for the environment to power them in alternative ways?
Even better - some playthings can help to generate power!

Crank powered



This one is by CeraCera


The Exploratorium in San Francisco provides this PDF for children to build their own automata.

Cranking up for electricity:

Like an iPod shuffle. Example by Phillip Torrone.

Pedal Powered

By the Miss Rockaway Armada

Find out here how to power electric appliances through pedaling (like washing machines, televisions, kitchen appliances, computers..)



See saw and carousel

Gaviotas See-Saw
“In the open-air Gaviotas preschool, the children’s see-saw is actually a pump in disguise. As they rise and descend, water gushes from a vertical pipe into an open cement tank. Over the years Gaviotas technicians have installed these in thousands of school yards, using kid power to provide villages with clean water. This simple, inexpensive pump has revolutionised rural life across Colombia for people who used to haul their water in buckets from muddy tropical rivers.”
from Gaviotas - Social Design Notes

In the same way work these carousel pumps by PlayPumps:


Windpowered
This wind-powered piglift I built with Richard Shed.