This six legged walker by Keiron McGeever is featured on the TEP web site. It is designed to be controlled by a microcontroller driving the legs via 2 inexpensive motor gear box units. Basic programming of the walking robot produces some interesting behaviour, and modifying the programme a little gives the robot some animal-like behaviour that may have you talking to it like a pet!
Construction details can be found in two articles on the TEP web site and also a 2D Design drawing of the body and all the leg parts.
 |
My first Cyber Pet on walking trials, only micro switch sensors fitted at this point. This Cyber Pet was made from 2 mm HD polystyrene, cut out on a CAMM2 using the modified 2D Design drawing. The drawing have had a tool path added for a 2 mm cutter. |
The 4 mm PVC tube makes great self locking nuts, an idea I will be using in the future. One point you must watch out for in the excitement of construction is to remember HD polystyrene only has one good face. Some of my legs went on good side in and the base is still good side down. This I put down to a design feature, matt side up.
Cyber
Pet article
http://www.tep.org.uk/PDF/NV6/NV6_CyberPet.pdf
Cyber Pet article from News and Views issue 6, by Keiron McGeever.
Construction
Notes
http://www.creektech.co.uk/Six%20Legged%20Cyber%20Pet,%20Construction%20Notes.pdf
Six Legged Cyber Pet, Construction Notes, by Keiron McGeever.
Cyber Pet parts
http://www.creektech.co.uk/Cyber%20Pet%20A4.dtd
Techsoft 2Ddesign file to enable you to cut out the Cyber Pet parts using a
laser cutter
Cyber Pet parts
http://www.creektech.co.uk/cyberpet2mmcutter.dtd
Techsoft 2Ddesign file set out for CAMM2 machine with 2 mm cutter (plot tool
settings not saved).
Technology
Enhancement Programme
http://www.tep.org.uk/
A programme aimed at supporting and improving the teaching and learning of technology
in schools.
Middlesex
University Teaching Resources
http://www.mutr.co.uk/
Resources and components for Technology, including the motor gear box units.