Jun 28, 2016 | By Tess
Wevolver, an online platform for sharing and collaborating on open hardware projects, has featured some really cool 3D printable projects in the past, such as this open-source motorcycle with 3D printed parts. Recently, the webplatform has released a number of new 3D printed robotics projects that are sure to get makers’ gears going.
First up is this awesome 3D printable Ghost in the Shell Hexapod Tank, inspired by the popular Japanese franchise. The 3D printed Hexapod Tank was developed by Lithuania based Paulius Liekis who, as a huge fan of the animated cult film, wanted to recreate the tank from the final battle in the movie. Inspired by the animated machine’s capability of combining animalistic movements with mechanical ones, Liekis set out to create his very own 3D printable robot. The final robotic and 3D printable tank design, which resembles a sort of spiderbot, can be powered by a Raspberry Pi and can be controlled by a PS3 joystick. Additionally, according to Liekis the robot has some autonomous functionalities as well, like detecting and tracking faces.
The impressive Ghost in the Shell inspired 3D printed robot, which apparently “moves like no hexapod has moved before”, took Liekis about four months worth of full-time work to complete, which he did over the course of 2.5 years.
Not a big fan of GITS? Perhaps these AI.FRAME mini humanoid robots will tickle your fancy. Designed and developed by Shenzhen-based Zebo Sun and Jaiqi Hu, the small robots are versatile, adaptable, and customizable, a perfect project for a dedicated maker. The AI.FRAME Apollo robot (pictured below) consists of 16 metal microactuators, smart servos, a laser cut acrylic sheet skeleton, and 3D printed fuselage. 3D printing can also be used to make a customized shell for the humanoid robot if you want it to feature your name or a logo for instance.
The AI.FRAME 3D printable robots are easy to use and can be controlled by either a game controller, a smartphone, or “Wildflower”, a custom 3D printed device that allows users to control the robot’s movements through their own body movements. The versatile robot can also be programmed to perform 10 pre-set motions, and can be programmed to do over 300 individual motions for a wide variety of movements. Full details for electronic and software specifications can be found here.
Last, but definitely not least, is the IMA Juno, a beginner 3D printable robot designed by Canada based startup Explore Making. Explore Making was founded by Catherine Anderson and Noah Li-Leger with the express goal of designing accessible and beginner-friendly maker projects. Their IMA Juno robot is the perfect example of this as it provides not so experienced makers with a solid introduction to 3D printing, Arduino coding, and robot electronics.
By simply following Explore Making’s simple step-by-step instructions makers will find themselves creating an easy to use and adaptable 3D printed robot. The IMA Juno can be controlled through an Android app for either smartphones or tablets and can even be updated and customized once the basic design is achieved. Additionally, most of the parts needed for it can be 3D printed on any desktop 3D printer with a print bed of at least 125 x 100mm. No supports are needed for the 3D printed components, and they should be printed at a maximum resolution of 200uM.
Depending on your level of expertise, you could make any of these 3D printed robots thanks to Wevolver’s open-source ethos and the talent of the aforementioned developers. Be sure to get printing!
Posted in 3D Printing Application
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cool robots.
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