Hexapod

[Regnar]

I have seen the videos on youtube of the spider looking hexapod. I dont know why but the thing has me amazed and I want to build one. I can easily see how everything works and can build the thing in seconds but what I have no clue on is the electronics and software. So if you guys can point me in the right direction I would be most appreciative. In one of the videos the guy was moving his pod with a Wii remote. I would like to do that to. My google searches seem to always bring up full robotic kits in the thousand dollar range.

[NatFJ55]

Cool thread, I hope somebody chimes in with an answer as I am interested too. I remember discovering hexapods a few years ago and tried to implement it here at work for something we were doing. Management wasn't too thrilled, but I sure was.

[otawerks]

Hi all, first post here...

There are currently two main (recent) hexapod kits on the market the Phoenix from Lynx motion
and Matt Denton's MSR-H01 Hexapod
You will find some interesting threads on his forum
http://www.hexapodrobot.com/forum/vi...&t=76&start=30
Specialy this one on hex frame fabrication with regards to limb dimensions, ground clearance, servo positioning and other knacks that can hinder a good design.

Matt's MSR-H01 fabrication log thread

And this one is a must see for any machinist..
Hexapod Robot CNC router

Also bear in mind that The frame represent mainly 10% of the total cost, the brunt of it being the 18 to 24 high torq servo motors you'll need to complete an hexapod

One cool New thing is that locomotion gaits now incorporate some degrees of inverse kinematics which allow some nice lifelike behaviors, here are some vids you might enjoy..

http://www.youtube.com/user/winchymatt

http://www.youtube.com/user/ZentaOlbaid


Hope this helps...

[obfuscode]

Hey Regnar, not sure if you figured out your solution but if not, google Arduino. It's an easy-to-use micro-controller that runs an open-source programming language. It may not be the most elegant solution for a hexapod but if you would rather learn to do it vs. buying premade, it's definitely a good way to start out. I've been using it for a few months and already have learned more than I thought I would.

[D.L]

Hi Regnar,
I have given thought to this over the years, I don't know about this walking spider business, but if you are interested in building a 3d cnc hexapod - goto the www.linuxcnc.org website and download the sofware 'EMC2'.
It has the necessary functionality to control 6 screw ram arms.
Next, you will need a cadcam package which hexapod machining cycles, now this won't be cheap, but, I am sure you might find something at rapidshare.
Ebay sells toshiba fet drives from china for 50 bucks / 3 axis, bear in mind it will be a sh*tty drive with resonance.
And 6 nema 17 motors, (old printer) some 10mm allthread, and start learning!
If you figure it all out, for 300 bucks, learn the cadcam, this will be the perfect launch for the real thing, always start of small and cheap, learn the ropes, then whammo! The real deal!