A DIY Hexapod Robot With Arduino, 3D Printed, and Lego-compatible Parts
Introduction: A DIY Hexapod Robot With Arduino, 3D Printed, and Lego-compatible Parts
Introduction
Legged robots have always been one of the most interesting creations in the robotic industry as they could help us in exploring mysterious lunar caves and other space exploration missions. In fact, legged robots are mobile robots with articulated leg mechanisms that provide locomotion on rough trains. As compared with wheeled robots, they can move on different terrains, although, at a slower speed. Legged robots are often complicated to make and control, as it requires precise control of each leg to maintain balance. In this project, we are aiming to make a fun and easy-to-build six-legged robot with LEGO Technic components and an Arduino board. To do so, we took advantage of interesting mechanical mechanisms that simulate the walking pattern of a six-legged insect, with only one or two DC gear motors. The result came up pretty interesting and pleasing to watch. Don't forget to follow our step-by-step instructions outlined below, and let us know what you think about this subject by commenting below. Your feedback will help us to improve our future work.
Step 1: Electrical Assembly
In this tutorial, we will show you how to build a robotic hexapod, a six-legged robot, that can walk similar to an insect. You will make the body and the leg mechanisms of the robot using LEGO Technic parts. Then, commercially available DC gear motors will be connected to the leg mechanism to move the legs.
In the next step, you will need to add a brain to your robot to control its motions. 949
Therefore, we will use Arduino UNO as an intelligent brain. Arduino enables you to expand your hexapod’s possibilities with various commercially available motors, sensors, shields, and modules.
Step 2: Two Different Fashions
The hexapod is made in two different fashions. The first design uses one DC gear motor to move the hexapod back and forth, and the second one is driven by two DC gear motors to enhance the maneuverability of the robot. You can do a variety of different tasks with your hexapod. You can tell the hexapod to track a path by programming your Arduino board. Add a couple of your favorite sensors or even simply control it with a remote joystick, similar to an RC car.
Step 3: Materials
List of electronic parts
A) 1x L298N Mini Motor Driver
B) 2x Lego Compatible Coupling
C) 1x Mini Toggle Switch
D) 1x Bread Boards
E) Jumper Wire
F) 2x M3 Nut
G) 2x M3 Screw
H) 4x 1.5V AA Battery
I) 2x TT Gear Motor
J) 1x Battery Holder
K) 1x Arduino Uno
List of Lego Technic components
A) Angular block 2, 180
B) Double cross block, 3-module
C) Beam, 3-module
D) Angular beam, 3x5 module
E) Beam, 7-module
F) Beam, 13-module
G) Frame, 5x7-module
H) Angular block 1, 0
I) Axle, 2-module
J) Gear, 8-tooth
K) Bushing, module
L) Gear, 24-tooth
M) Axle, 6-module
N) Axle, 3-module
O) Connector peg, 2-module
P) Connector peg with friction, 2-module
Q) Connector peg, 3-module
R) Connector peg with the axle, 2-module
S) Connector peg with friction/axle, 2-module
T) Bushing, 1-module
U) Axle connector with axle hole
V) Beam with cross-hole, 2-module
Step 4: Assembly of Mechanical Parts
First, let’s assemble our hexapod’s body and leg mechanisms. Prepare the Lego pieces according to Fig. F, and follow the step-by-step video tutorial below.
Step 5: 3D Printed Parts
Lego Technic components only match with Lego gear motors. In order to connect the shafts of the commercially available gear motors to Lego components, we need to 3D print a coupling that makes the motor shaft compatible with its Lego counterpart. This is called Lego-compatible motor shaft coupling. So, go ahead and download the Lego-compatible Motor Shaft Coupling 3D-print file. Then, find a 3D printer nearby or use yours.
Step 6: Electronics and Wiring
Grab your screwdriver, warm up your soldering iron, and follow the video instruction below. 832