Wind Walker Wind Powered Strandbeest

Build your own whacky wind-powered Strandbeest!

A Strandbeest is an entirely wind-powered sculpture that walks on its own, originally designed by Dutch physicist/artist Theo Jansen. While the original was designed for the beach, this do-it-yourself version will work equally well on any flat surface. A great project for kids and adults alike to express their STEAM (STEM + Art) abilities.

This Wind Walker kit doesn't utilise electricity or batteries for power, it harnesses and demonstrates the power of nature!

Follow the detailed instructions to assemble the body, attach the crank legs, configure the wind turbine and attach the cog wheels.

Wave a fan or use an electric fan or hairdryer to blow air at your Wind Walker and watch it shuffle and side-step to the left. You can even blow against the propeller or use the rotating shaft to make it move by hand when required.

Theo Jansen is a Dutch artist. In 1990, he began building large mechanisms out of PVC that are able to move on their own and collectively are entitled, Strandbeest. The kinetic sculptures appear to walk. His animated works are intended to be a fusion of art and engineering

Age: 8+

What You Get

Wind Walker - Wind Powered Strandbeest Kit. The kit contains: 130 plastic pieces including wind panels, a drive crank, mechanical walking pieces, rubber band and illustrated instructions.

You will also require a pair of diagonal cutters to complete your project. Try this tool kit.

Once assembled the Strandbeest is 20cm long.

How Does It Work?

The Wind Walker is made of lightweight plastic tubes and wing-like propellers that capture the wind’s energy (or movement of air) and convert it into mechanical energy. This turns the crank legs and cogs to create movement and drives the Wind Walker to walk sideways.