1/5 - 1/4 Scale Hexapod Leg Design

[Matt Denton]

Hi,

I have recently been designing a larger hexapod platform based on Multiplex Rhino 60mm size servos or 1/5 scale as they are sometimes known. This is very different from my usual style of hexapod, and has been designed with practical applications in mind, hence much of the aesthetic styling has been removed.



If built I estimate the body to be around 420mm long. In the picture of one of the legs you will see a standard size 40mm servo for scale reference. The tibia is 3/4" diameter tube and has a simple rubber foot contacts sensor attached, which would be replaced with something similar to my B.F.Hexapod foot.

Has anyone built, or is anyone building a hexapod with these size servos? if so I would be interested to know details of pay load and power consumption etc.

cheers,

[robotguy]

I have recently been designing a larger hexapod platform based on Multiplex Rhino 60mm size servos or 1/5 scale as they are sometimes known. This is very different from my usual style of hexapod, and has been designed with practical applications in mind, hence much of the aesthetic styling has been removed.

A Hexapod or Octapod with legs like this could easily go through most of the common outdoor terrains. With terrain adaptation, I think this could be excellent for RobotMagellan type events.

If built I estimate the body to be around 420mm long. In the picture of one of the legs you will see a standard size 40mm servo for scale reference. The tibia is 3/4" diameter tube and has a simple rubber foot contacts sensor attached, which would be replaced with something similar to my B.F.Hexapod foot.

I think this definitely has potential to compete in RoboMagellan type events, Matt. It's not as stylish as your other Hexapods, but I think going for function over asthetics is better for competition.

8-Dale

[Matt Denton]

I think this definitely has potential to compete in RoboMagellan type events, Matt. It's not as stylish as your other Hexapods, but I think going for function over asthetics is better for competition.

8-Dale

RoboMagellan ?

This is a new word to me.. sorry fro being dumb but currently I don't visit robot events, what does it mean?

[robotguy]

RoboMagellan ?

This is a new word to me.. sorry fro being dumb but currently I don't visit robot events, what does it mean?

No problem, Matt. RoboMagellan is an interesting outdoor contest where folks bring their robots to try and complete a course successfully. They get GPS waypoints about 30 minutes before the event that they can plug into their robots. Robots have to negotiate the course, find all the orange cones and touch them to get credit. No two courses are alike, and some folks travel the "circuit" to compete in events all over the US. I don't know if this has spread anywhere outside the US yet.

8-Dale

[Matt Denton]

RoboMagellan ?

This is a new word to me.. sorry fro being dumb but currently I don't visit robot events, what does it mean?

No problem, Matt. RoboMagellan is an interesting outdoor contest where folks bring their robots to try and complete a course successfully. They get GPS waypoints about 30 minutes before the event that they can plug into their robots. Robots have to negotiate the course, find all the orange cones and touch them to get credit. No two courses are alike, and some folks travel the "circuit" to compete in events all over the US. I don't know if this has spread anywhere outside the US yet.

8-Dale

So like the DARPA challenge for hobby robots cool!

[robotguy]

So like the DARPA challenge for hobby robots cool!

Yes, this is what RoboMagellan is supposed to be. All the same things need to be done as for the larger DARPA style vehicles, but less expensive computing power and sensors are used. I would very much like to build a robot capable of competing in RoboMagellan events some day, but the cost of sensors and such will probably prohibit me from doing it myself.

I am about to start on a project with another PARTS club member to create a brand new robot which we hope will be able to do this. If it goes well, all of us who participate will end up having one of these robots.

8-Dale

[imagineering]

Hi Matt, did this project ever get walking?

MurrayMcK.

[Matt Denton]

Didn't take it too much further.. too many hexapods.. not enough time!