Anyone that fancies building their own Hexapod Robot might be interested to learn that Mike Estee has created his very own using cardboard and less than $100 in parts. The robot is still in the early stages of development at the moment, but you can watch it in action after the jump, as Mike carries out a simple motion test.
Mike Estee explains:
“As I’ve written about in the past, cost can be measured in many ways. For this exercise, I’m primarily interested in the cost of materials, cost of manufacturing, and assembly time. Design time isn’t particularly optimized here, but as we build on previous iterations, hopefully, we can stay ahead of complexity. On the cold hard cash front, I think I’m doing pretty well. This little fellow consists of: $1.00 in cardboard, $54.60 in servos, and $29.95 in servo controllers.”
Building a Hexapod Robot on a Budget
Building a hexapod robot can often be an expensive and complex endeavor, but Mike Estee has managed to simplify the process significantly. By using affordable materials like cardboard, he has demonstrated that it is possible to create a functional robot without breaking the bank. The servos and servo controllers are the most expensive components, but even these are relatively affordable compared to other robotic parts.
Mike is already looking to improve a number of features on the cardboard robot, including how the segments fit together. This iterative approach allows for continuous improvement and refinement of the design. If you fancy building your very own cardboard robot, you can find instructions and materials required over on the website.
Advantages and Challenges of Using Cardboard
Using cardboard as the primary material for the robot offers several advantages. Firstly, it is incredibly cost-effective. At just $1.00 for the cardboard, it significantly reduces the overall cost of the project. Additionally, cardboard is easy to work with; it can be cut, folded, and glued with minimal effort. This makes it an excellent choice for hobbyists and beginners who may not have access to more advanced tools and materials.
However, there are also challenges associated with using cardboard. It is not as durable as other materials like plastic or metal, which means the robot may not withstand heavy use or rough handling. Additionally, cardboard is susceptible to moisture, which can weaken its structure over time. Despite these challenges, the use of cardboard in this project highlights the potential for creative and low-cost solutions in robotics.
Mike’s project serves as an inspiration for those interested in robotics but deterred by the high costs typically associated with it. By focusing on affordability and simplicity, he has made robotics more accessible to a broader audience. This project also opens up opportunities for further innovation, as others can build upon his design and potentially introduce new materials or technologies to enhance the robot’s capabilities.
Source: MAKE : Verge
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