phidgets / mother boards?

[snooza]

hi there
i was wondering i am making a simiolar robot to this one : http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-Your-Own-Butler-Robot/?ALLSTEPS which runs on a phidgets interface kit 0/16/16. now i was wondering what other things can i use instead maybe a bit cheaper. or how can i make one cheaper or anything that i can do to bring down the price.
thank you in advance
-snoooza