This LEGO hexapod uses just one motor for motion. In the video after the break you can see that what [Valetnin Bauer] accomplished is almost magical, using just 210 parts. A central drive shaft uses worm gears to transfer motion to each of the legs. The limb mounting technique results in a sort of rowing motion that closely mimics what you’d expect to see from a biological hexapod.
We thought this might provide some inspiration for the Buy Break Build: Santa-pede challenge. Sure, using LEGO is a lot easier than reusing Santa parts. But a lot can be accomplished with a little creativity. Another point of inspiration might be this one-motor walker that should be a snap to adapt to the challenge. Better get going, just twenty days let until the project deadline!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeAY8XTzhWo]
[via Tinkernology]
Yes, using gears to distribute and redirect motion from a single mechanical source is magical.
Or at least, it was when the ancient Greeks were playing with them.
Amazing!!!
I love it. Now to find a way to make it turn :)
Ned: he could just use 2 motors, one for each side of legs. The timing might get a tad bit off… but it would work anyway.
@roboman2444 and Ned
http://www.zoid.us/deathstinger.htm
this ZOIDS model does the dual motor thing, with a wired remote control add-on.
Perhaps if he could drop it into reverse he could use that to switch some gears around and allow it to turn still using one motor.
This is what i like to call an “elegant design”, well done!
If you were to use a universal joint to separate the 3 leg pairs, you could put in a servo to bend the whole body. This would allow it to turn because the walking force vectors would no longer be in a straight line. This method would also keep the drive as one motor with a consistent drive offset.
I made something like that 10 years ago with 4 legs, and a LOT more hot glue.
http://www.ctrobots.org/pics/2000/jan00ke2.jpg
@fluidic
You are what is wrong with hackaday.
@Kevin: I will get those instructions and try that!
this is brilliant; it really is elegant.
I agree with fluidic.
If it was done before by someone else it can’t possibly be magical or deserve to be revisited for any reason.
Luddite.
Being a douche predates civilization itself, so don’t bother doing it. -it’s been done.
Russian project:
http://roboforum.ru/forum88/topic2053.html