About this project
Hexy the Hexapod - Low-Cost Six-Legged Open Robot
$168,267
861
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UPDATES:
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Acrylic Colors:
Pictures of the actual acrylic that will be used:
- Bluetooth wireless is now available as an option. Available for the more adventure-minded, Hexy can come with a plug-in serial Bluetooth module to allow wire-free movement. Note: wireless is always tricky, so while I'll do my best to provide support, I can't guarantee it working as often as a cord will
- If we hit $200k, we'll add a drag-and-drop programming GUI based on miniBloq
- If we hit $250k, we'll add Android and iOS apps for controlling it remotely. (Note: iOS control app will not be through the internal blueooth, as Apple doesn't allow open-hardware based iOS bluetooth connections. They require NDAs, credit checks and very specific modules be used).
The Story
I love robots, but they can be a really expensive hobby, especially legged robots. When I tried to build a hexapod in college, everything I found was typically $1,000-$2,000. Current kits are expensive and tough to use, and meant for people that are already into robotics. The designs for them are closed, and rarely if ever updated. When I started development of Hexy roughly a year ago, I was using 10 year-old software and electronics, because that's what was available, and it showed. Why not make a hexapod kit that makes complex robotics cheaper, easier to learn, radically more fun (and cute!) and based on completely open hardware and software?
The Dream
Cheap robots for everyone! The idea behind ArcBotics is to become the Ikea of robotics. Provide functional, minimalistic robots with step-by-step instruction that anyone can make, lowering cost as much as possible in the process. Hexy is the first robot a line of many that aims to enable low-cost, easy access to easily modifiable and expandable robots, for everyone from the learning student to the high-end researcher.
The Robot
Hexy the Hexapod is a cute-as-buttons fun little six-legged robot buddy, and is the first ArcBotics Open Robotics kit. Hexy is:
- Low cost, 1/10th the price of current hexapod kits
- If we hit $200k, we'll add a drag-and-drop programming GUI based on miniBloq
- Program moves as a text file. Easy commands like "rotate right 40 deg"
- Easy to program more functionality. Arduino micro controller, Python move generator/controller
- Easy to assemble - Full step-by-step video tutorials and picture/text tutorials, geared towards the high school level and above
- Completely Arduino-compatible, the Servotor32 controller uses the same chip as the Arduino Leonardo
- Comes with demo moves pre-available. Have it dance immediately once built!
- Completely Open-Source. Code, Laser cutter DXF/STL/SLDWRKS files, electronics board files, everything. Go nuts.
It Comes With:
- Literally Everything needed to build the kit, I even give the screwdriver.
- Ultrasonic distance sensor eyes
- Acrylic laser-cut pieces in your choice of six colors, with extra pieces
- 20 Servos (18 for legs, 1 for eyes, 1 extra)
- Full arduino-based Servotor32 robot controller capable of controlling up to 32 Servos
- All the screws and nuts you need to assemble the kit, with extras
- Bluetooth kits come with a serial-bluetooth adapter that plugs straight into the Servotor32 robot controller
- All the assembly instructions, source material, etc on a thumb drive
Use it to learn advanced robotics concepts like inverse kinematics, or use pre-built code to have it march to your bidding. Build it using the high-quality video and picture filled tutorials, and its ready to walk, play and dance with pre-built demos.
The Servitor32 robot controller is fully Arduino-based open hardware, capable of controlling up to 32 servos and/or any sensor you can plug into an Arduino, programmable using Arduino code. Hook it to your PC or Mac via USB or have it run autonomously. . Use the controller and servos in other robot projects. Do what you want, all the code, and plans and cut files are yours.
As part of building ArcBotics to drive forward low-cost Open Robotics, I've invested around $20k into purchasing a laser cutter and rapidly iterating the design of the hexapod over the better part of a year, and its finally in a state close to releasable. The low cost I want, however, is only achievable with sufficient volume to order. All the factory sourcing is lined up and tested, the production model is highly scalable, and I just need the funds finish final prototyping, order large part quantities and then start flooding the world with cheap adorable robots.
Even if this fails, I'll still release all the files online. However, the kits are far more expensive to build without large sourcing and my manufacture techniques, and you won't get them nearly this cheap.The goal of the company isn't to make large profits, its to advance Open Robotics through easily available cheap robots, a cause near and dear to my heart. If this works out, I'll launch even more Open Robotics kits. Help make this dream a reality!
FAQ
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Yes! You can do so in the ArcBotics store:
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Yes! They're now available for pre-order in the ArcBotics store:
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Hexy currently takes either 4 Alkaline AA's or 5 rechargeable AA's. (both equal 6 volts, which I've find to be ideal voltage for the servos). It comes with battery packs for both.
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Yes, please add $20 for international shipping on full kits, $10 for smaller items.
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The robot can't accept 2 or 3 cell lipos, and 1 cell would be too low. While the electronics have a built-in regulator and could accept the voltage, the servos are fed straight off the battery voltage. 2 cells tend to cause them to shake, and damage themselves over time, and 3 cell lipos will just harm the motors. The best power source is either 4 AA Alkalines, or 5 NiMh batteries.
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The head is fully-functioning ultrasonic distance sensor mounted on a servo, and will have the Arduino code included as part of the tutorials. It is not, however, a camera.
You can read up on the sensor here:
http://letsmakerobots.com/node/30209 -
Hexy, with full NiMh batteries, currently weights in at 1Kg (2.2lbs). Currently it is with arms fully extended, to the sides, its 45cm (18 in) wide by 15cm (6 in) tall. This is subject to slight change as modifications are made before final production.
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Its been tested carrying 0.8lbs (360 grams) with a fresh set of batteries.
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There is a survey that will be sent out after the kickstarter ends. You'll be able to select your color in this survey.
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Funding period
- (40 days)