Category Product Lists

Educational 3D puzzle Arithmetic kit by Ugears STEM Lab. Discover in AR

Assemble the Arithmetic Kit and discover how the Mechanical Addiator and Mechanical Multiplier work.

• The model kit comes with a QR-code to the study guide about the mechanisms, the principal of their working, the main characteristics, formulas. It also includes interesting assignments.
• Dive into augmented reality and look at how Mechanical Addiator and Mechanical Multiplier work. Interact with the models via a special AR application from Ugears.

UGEARS' Arithmetic Kit, part of UGEARS' STEM Lab collection, consists of two ready-to-assemble models: A Mechanical Addiator and a Mechanical Multiplier.

Find out how the Mechanical Addiator and Mechanical Multiplier work

The Mechanical Addiator is a compact arithmetic machine (or adding machine) that works by moving gear racks, using a stylus included in the kit. By moving the sliding racks, marked with arrows and numbers from 0 to 9, you can add and subtract numbers.

The Mechanical Multiplier is a flat hinge mechanism that accomplishes binary operations on numbers. By moving the dual slider, you can multiply and square numbers from 1 to 12, making the multiplication table fun.

Who invented the Mechanical Addiator and Mechanical Multiplier, and when?

The UGEARS Mechanical Addiator is a DIY wooden model kit based on an addiator that was invented by a St. Petersburg music teacher, Heinrich Kummer, in 1846. Its simple design and compact size made it a popular mathematical tool in its time. Today this simple, fun mechanism is part of UGEARS' outstanding STEM Lab collection.

The UGEARS Mechanical Multiplier is a fun wooden 3D puzzle based on a children's toy, “Consul the Educated Monkey,” invented in 1915 by William Henry Robertson, an American high school math teacher. Robertson applied for a patent for a toy that ingeniously uses a hinged mechanism to perform simple multiplication, designed "to stimulate children's interest in the study of numbers.”

Uses for The Mechanical Addiator and Mechanical Multiplier

The Mechanical Addiator is used to add and subtract numbers. To do this, the user enters a number value using the stylus, then uses the stylus to enter a second number. The device then shows the result of the desired mathematical operation, according to where the second number was entered (top row for addition, bottom row for subtraction). But the Addiator is not limited to addition and subtraction—you can also use it to multiply and divide.

The Mechanical Multiplier is a simple and interesting way to learn the “unloved” multiplication tables from 1 to 12, and to understand the simple principle of hinge-lever mechanisms. When the two sliders are moved to various numbers, you will see their product displayed in the window above.

Components of the Mechanical Addiator and Mechanical Multiplier, and how they work

The Mechanical Addiator consists of a housing in which four rails or racks are set, with printed values on them. A stylus is used to input values. Numbers are entered from cam slots, and the results are displayed in four center windows. Before starting an addition/subtraction operation using the stylus, the racks should be set so that all windows display "0". The value of the number on which the operation is performed is first entered using the top row of slots; the top slots are then used to add a second number, while the bottom ones are used for subtraction.

The Mechanical Multiplier consists of two sliders which move along a number line (1-12), and a lever system which transfers the movement of the sliders to a “Results” window, which moves along a value field. As you move the two sliders between different number values, the product of their multiplication will appear in the “Results” window. In order to multiply a number by itself (to square it), the right slider should be moved to the extreme right position and fixed at the "X²" symbol.

The Mechanical Addiator consists of:

• Housing
• Rack
• Stylus

The Mechanical Multiplier consists of:

• Sliders
• Lever system
• Results window
• Value field

Ugears STEM puzzles are designed to suit different age groups with a special focus on learning component. The assembly of the model will be interesting and won’t take much time.

STEM lab Model kits come with all you need in a box.

Just like the rest of Ugears wooden model kits, putting STEM Lab models together is fun and comprehensive: everything you need to build, learn, and discover comes in a box. There you will find:

• Wooden details pre-cut with a precise high-tech laser in high-quality plywood boards, as well as other materials required for assembly. DIY kits need no glue or additional instruments to build. The details come out of the board with a slight push.
• Step-by step illustrated instruction manual of 3D puzzle assembly.
• Practical Lab tasks with use of your model.
• QR-code to download a pocket study guide about the Ugears model, its mechanism, principle of its working, main characteristics, physical and mechanical formulas, and fun practical tasks.
• QR-code to download AR-application. Fascinating innovation from Ugears – new drive to learn more new things!

The UGEARS 460 Locomotive with Tender combines all of the technical and artistic innovations that builders have come to appreciate in our other models and takes them a step beyond. Richly detailed with an eye toward realism and romance, our version of this indelible symbol of 19th century technology and adventure captures the imagination of all who see it. It’s no wonder it was such a hit during our Kickstarter campaign.

Our locomotive is driven by rubber bands and a gear array instead of superheated steam, but otherwise its main mechanism looks and operates very much like that of a real steam engine. Up close you can see working asynchronous pistons and valves that transfer power to the locomotive’s drive wheels through a moving system of rods, linkages and cranks.

Small touches like a fully detailed engineer’s cab with retractable step ladder, art-deco boiler trim, and open-up Tender with coal doors complete this beautiful reminder of a bygone era. The UGEARS 460 Locomotive with Tender is our largest, most complex model to date; yet thanks to our patented plywood joint design and rigorous engineering and quality control process, a hobbyist can complete this model in a single sitting. Like all other UGEARS models, the Locomotive with Tender comes with step-by-step, full-color, truly easy to follow instructions.

Pretend to be a hairstylist with this hair dresser set! Includes scissors, hair dryer, comb, straightener, hair clipper, and a waist bag. Kids will enjoy creating hairstyles on themselves, family members, friends or their dolls.

Collect your favourite BRIO World trains and vehicles now in mini form with the 36034 Mini Trains & Vehicles assortment. There’s a whole selection of playful mini vehicles to collect including travel, steam and cargo-themed trains as well as police vans and loading trucks. Each vehicle is a miniature replica of iconic designs from BRIO World that fit our train tracks and features classic BRIO magnetic couplings for wagons and accessories.

About BRIO World: BRIO World is our open-ended play system that grows with your child. All BRIO World toys work with each other to create an entirely customisable world that’s great for challenging growing minds. There are endless combinations of imaginative play waiting to be explored and these toy trains and vehicles fit right in – just pick up a piece and start building your world.

Following the modern trend of minimalistic and functional design, Ugears is proud to present a new clever and practical addition to their collection of wooden mechanical models, the Foldable Phone Holder of the Mini-series.

Clean lines and functionality coupled with Ugears iconic design was the main ground on which the idea of the foldable phone stand was born and developed. Remaining loyal to natural materials and all-you-need in a box approach, Ugears designers created a wooden model that is not just a fun 3D-puzzle or DIY project, but also a useful companion in your daily activities. Besides Foldable Phone Holder is a perfect gift idea.

Mobile phones have become a large part of all aspects of our lives – they are both indispensable business assistants and all-in-one entertainment gadgets. Whether it is an important conference call when you need your hands free or a couple of relaxing minutes browsing through funny cats videos, the Foldable Phone Holder is here to make your experience more convenient and pleasant.

This desktop cell phone stand has an adjustable support angle offering three convenient positions. It provides extra-support for larger phones. Position can be adjusted by turning the central wheel at the fold. To prevent sliding and ensure your phone sits in place, the back stand is equipped with two rubber bands. The Holder is perfect for travel: it neatly folds down to a portable size and can fit in a bag or even in a pocket.

The portable, stable, and universally compatible Foldable Phone Holder is waiting to become your reliable partner in business and fun.

Assemble & Watch the fish swim!

The Mechanical Aquarium from Ugears is an ingenious saltwater fishbowl, with two pet tropical fish chasing each other around a forest of macroalgae fronds, inside of which hides another small inhabitant of the marine environment—a seahorse! The beauty, variety and intrigue of saltwater fish-keeping makes it one of the world's most popular hobbies. Perhaps you are a snorkeling or diving enthusiast, and would like to be reminded of underwater adventures when you've dived a colorful reef or explored a kelp forest. Building Ugears' charming and unique wooden models, brain teasers and 3D puzzles has become a popular hobby for thousands of people in 85 countries across five continents. Now you can combine these hobbies in a single model!

Not only is this DIY aquarium model kit, with its original theme and design, a fine addition to the Ugears catalogue, but it also features a unique mechanical action. The fish and algae rotate simultaneously and in parallel, at different speeds and in different directions, simulating the smooth, undulating rhythms of underwater plant and animal life. The elegant fish look like they are really swimming as they move their heads and tails side-to-side. The Mechanical Aquarium model is unique in that while many Ugears models are propelled by rubber band motors, the Aquarium is driven by a spring, for longer action and greater longevity. At Ugears we pride ourselves on innovating, and on listening to our loyal customers, many of whom have been asking for models with spring-loaded mechanisms. We are proud to bring you this spring-action aquarium—a first in our growing catalogue of Ugears models!

To set the model in motion, wind the knob under the aquarium with about 25 half-turns, flip the switch from "STOP" to "SWIM" mode, then watch as your Mechanical Aquarium comes to life! The mechanism contains an internal pendulum to regulate and smooth the movement. We have designed this model to be the very definition of operational simplicity for users: one switch, two modes: on and off. You can stop the model at any time, or just let it go and enjoy the movements of the automaton fish and fronds for about 40 seconds.

Did you know the ancient Romans and Aztecs had rudimentary saltwater aquariums? (Those of the Aztecs were far grander). In 1846 British marine zoologist Anna Thynne created and maintained the first ecologically balanced marine aquarium over a period of three years, providing the inspiration for the London Zoo's Fish House seven years later. It wasn't until a century later, in the 1950s, that saltwater aquariums as a personal hobby really took off. Because of the need to periodically replenish tanks with fresh seawater, most early hobbyists lived near the ocean. Saltwater tanks have always required the hobbyist to buy quite a bit of associated equipment, including filtration, aeration, and lighting systems. Over the years, the aesthetics and technologies associated with saltwater aquariums have progressed, with bleached corals giving way to live rock and coral species, better water quality testing, better temperature control systems, commercial captive-breeding and coral propagation to reduce harvesting from vulnerable marine environments, and better understanding of species interconnectedness.

Not everyone is up to the challenges or expense of setting up and maintaining a saltwater fish tank. Even a basic starter tank for beginners represents a substantial, ongoing investment of time and resources. But with the Ugears Mechanical Aquarium, you can dip into the fascinating underwater world with an attractive, whimsical wooden model you can build yourself, then proudly display. Once the model is assembled your family and friends will have hours of enjoyment watching the automaton fish swimming with lifelike action around their wooden bowl, while getting occasional peeks through the fronds at the secretive seahorse. And you'll never need to test or change the water!

At Ugears we strive for gorgeous design with surprising mechanical action, to charm and delight our customers. We think you will agree we have achieved that with this beautiful Mechanical Aquarium. With Ugears there's always that extra touch of whimsy, embodied in this model by the hidden seahorse at the center. Part of our core mission is to bring people together, especially across generations, as they build and play with our unique mechanical marvels. Make the Mechanical Aquarium your next family project!

The Mechanical Aquarium has 325 pieces, is rated "Medium" level, and has an estimated assembly time of 6 hours. As you build the wooden aquarium, you will learn about the action and interplay of drive gears and driven gears in gear sets, the function of pendulums, and about spring-action mechanisms. You will experience the satisfaction of building something beautiful with your own hands, without need of glue or special tools. Everything you need for this fun DIY project comes right in the box: high quality plywood boards with precision laser-cut pieces that you snap out then snap together, the metal spring that powers the mechanism, and of course a set of detailed, illustrated instructions in 11 languages.

Looking for a unique gift idea for a friend or family member? Maybe someone you know is a saltwater aquarium enthusiast, a model building hobbyist, or simply someone who enjoys working with their hands. Maybe you're the hobbyist looking to share with friends and family the joy you find in saltwater aquariums, snorkeling or diving, or building 3D puzzles. Perhaps there are some children in your life who would be delighted to wind up this model and set the fish spinning around their bowl again and again. The Mechanical Aquarium is certain to charm, and makes a thoughtful gift for birthdays, holidays, any occasion or no occasion. Give it as a DIY kit wrapped up in its handsome box, or build it yourself and present the finished Mechanical Aquarium as a personal gift in which you have invested your time and care. Either way, the wooden Mechanical Aquarium will be a cherished gift, and a delightful addition to any home or office.