Minimalist Hexapod Moves About Under IR Control
Three micro servos and an ATmega8A-PU move this hexapod's LED-enhanced "paper clip" legs.
If you’ve ever wanted to make a walker robot, but didn’t know where to start, then this IR remote-controlled mini hexapod by Karol Konopka could be just the thing. The device gets around with the help of three SG90 micro servos, one of which lift the little beastie to one side or the other, while the other two make it progress in the horizontal plane. Power is supplied via four AAA batteries and processing is handled by an ATmega8A-PU microcontroller with an 8MHz quartz crystal.
Interestingly, the hexapod doesn’t use a 3D-printed frame or other careful exterior design, but the body is instead formed out of the small breadboard that connects the electronics. The three servos are stuck to the bottom of the breadboard and the battery holder is attached to the side. Legs are formed out of steel rods that look about the size of paper clips (as they are in its inspiration, the Simple Hexapod Walker by Pololu).
To make the bot a bit more appealing, Konopka strapped LEDs to each leg assembly with zip ties. These adornments make it look like some sort of sci-fi creature as it trots around under IR remote control in the video below!