UGears STEM LAB Arithmetic Kit

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 numeric 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 that move along a number line (1-12), and a lever system that 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 the learning components. 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 Ugear's 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 are 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 the 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!