www.3ders.org

Dec 12, 2015 | By Benedict

Ziggy Stardust and the spiders… are cars?! Ever watchful of the amateur maker scene, we’ve seen some pretty cool 3D printed robots in our time. But as innovative and awe-inspiring as those machines can be, the large majority are limited to a single mode of transport, such as flying, driving or walking. Budding engineer and maker [Smudger_WTH] has defied all convention by developing a 3D printed, Transformers-style spider robot, which can move on both legs and wheels.

Following in the many tiny footsteps of this four-legged, 3D printed predecessor and this six-legged amateur additive project, Smudger’s creation uses the term “spider” in a loose sense. His robot certainly has the gait of an arachnid, but sports just half of a spider’s full limb quota. The beauty of the 3D printed robot lies not in its faithfulness to nature, however, but in its unpredictable transformability. When set loose on a smooth surface, the 3D printed robot can walk on its four legs, before transforming into an RC car in a matter of seconds. The spider robot is recognizable by its distinctive blue LED eyes, which could quicken the pulse of even the steeliest of mechanical hearts. Optimus Prime; Megatron: You’ve been warned.

The 3D printed spider robot employs an Arduino Nano at its core, and can be controlled with an Android phone using Bluetooth. Don’t be fooled by the project’s light-hearted intentions: This is a complex endeavor, with makers required to make their own PCB as well as carefully assembling a number of technical components. The robot requires a generous handful electronic parts and screws, but its main body and legs are 3D printed. To create the spider’s chunky plastic abdomen and legs, makers need to download a total of 8 STL files, which will produce a total of 18 component parts. The pieces which require the greatest strength are the 3D printed spider’s 4 femora, which should be printed at a given 3D printer’s highest density settings. All other 3D printed parts can be printed at a standard density.

Smudger has created a thorough guide to building the 3D printed, Transformers-style robot, which is accessible on the project’s Instructables page. The design has already received heaps of praise from the Instructables community, with many makers sure to try out Smudger’s awesome build. Keep them coming!

 

 

Posted in 3D Printing Application

 

 

Maybe you also like:

• T-Bone Cape motion control board launches on Indiegogo
• New extruder could lower costs of 3D printing cellular structures for drug testing
• New Ninja Printer Plate for consumer 3D printing
• mUVe3D releases improved Marlin firmware for all 3D printers
• Zecotek plans HD 3D display for 3D printers
• Add a smart LCD controller to your Robo3D printer
• Maker Kase: a handy cabinet for 3D printers
• Heated bed for ABS printing with the Printrbot Simple XL
• Next gen all metal 3D printer extruder from Micron
• Pico all-metal hotend 100% funded in 48 hours, B3 announces Stretch Goal
• Create it REAL announces first 3D printing Real Time Processor
• A larger and more powerful 3D printer extruder on Kickstarter

   

Leave a comment:

Your Name: