What age is this video appropriate for?
We recommend this video for ages 10 and up. While the engineering content is excellent, the video features bleeped profanity from real thieves, a brief reference to a gun, and real-world crime scenarios that younger children may find confusing or distressing.
Is there bad language in this video?
Yes, there is a moderate amount of profanity from the thieves caught on camera, but it is bleeped out throughout. The language is not gratuitous, but it is frequent enough that parents of younger or sensitive children should be aware.
Is there any violence or weapons in this video?
There is one brief moment where a gun is mentioned and possibly visible in footage of a thief, and the overall premise involves surveilling and pranking real criminals. There is no graphic violence, but the real-world crime context adds mild tension.
Is this video educational?
Yes, it has strong educational value. Mark Rober, a former NASA engineer, clearly explains real engineering concepts including pneumatics, centrifugal force, peristaltic pumps, autonomous drone programming, and GPS tracking in a way that is engaging and age-appropriate.
Is there advertising or sponsored content in this video?
Yes, the final minute or so is a sponsored segment promoting CrunchLabs, Mark Rober's own monthly engineering toy subscription box, and T-Mobile is also mentioned as a sponsor earlier in the video. The CrunchLabs segment is clearly presented but enthusiastically delivered in Rober's own style.
Does this video show real criminals — is it safe and legal content?
The video uses footage of real package thieves and car break-in criminals captured by hidden cameras, which is a core part of the series. Rober frames the project as a response to police inaction and presents it as a form of engineering-based deterrence rather than personal confrontation, and the series is associated with real law enforcement outcomes.
