Most robots take millions of dollars and years of research to build – but you can get started today on your very own, without any grant writing. And some of the materials you'll need might be cluttering up your house right now.

“Sparky” (an invention of artist Marque Cornblatt) uses a Mac Mini computer for its brain and a TV monitor for its head. The rest is up to you. Marque provides a list of the materials you'll need and instructions for assembling them at http://www.sparkyjr.com/. It's not as complicated as you might think. While you're there, take a look at some of the varied models that have already been constructed.

Marque is a self-taught engineer. His first robot was assembled from dumpster-dived trash and discarded technology items. While the list of materials he provides for enterprising followers isn't quite so basic (or unsanitary), it's still relatively simple.

Marque took Sparky for a spin at SFMOMA with our reporter, Lisa Katayama. So what are you waiting for? This is an opportunity to literally make a new friend.