Summary of ROBOT GETS AROUND ON ALL FOURS, THANKS TO MANY, MANY SERVOS
This article describes a DIY quadruped robot designed by [Technovation] as a robust test bed for various walking gaits. Built using modern tools like Fusion 360, the project prioritizes durability over aesthetic mimicry of high-end commercial robots. The core system relies on an Arduino Uno controlling twelve servo motors via a Sensor Shield to manage joint rotation and translation.
Parts used in the Quadruped Robot:
- Servo motors (12 units)
- Arduino Uno
- Sensor Shield
- Fusion 360 design software
- Chassis
As far as robots are concerned, wheels and tracks are great ways to get around when you’ve got serious work to do. However, if you want to build something that feels more animal than machine, building a walking ‘bot is the way to go. [Technovation] delivers a great example in the form of this quadruped design.
It’s a build executed in the modern style, taking full advantage of contemporary design tools and processes. The entire robot is built around twelve servo motors that provide rotation and translation to the robot’s joints. After importing the servo models into Fusion 360, [Technovation] set about building the rest of the body around them. An Arduino Uno runs the show, which addresses the many servos thanks to a Sensor Shield that has a multitude of useful outputs.
[Technovation] put a specific focus on durability and robustness during the design phase. The platform is intended as a test bed for various walking styles and gaits, and thus any hardware failures would be an unnecessary distraction from the project’s goals. The chassis is a great platform to learn on, and we expect to see further developments in future.
The eerily lifelike robots from Boston Dynamics may have set a high bar, but DIYers are still out there having a crack at building capable walking robots. Video after the break.
Read more: ROBOT GETS AROUND ON ALL FOURS, THANKS TO MANY, MANY SERVOS
- How does the robot move its joints?
The movement is provided by twelve servo motors that offer rotation and translation. - What control board runs the robot?
An Arduino Uno handles the control logic for the servos. - Does the project use a specific interface for the servos?
Yes, a Sensor Shield with multiple outputs addresses the many servos. - What software was used for the body design?
The designers imported servo models into Fusion 360 to build the rest of the body. - Why was durability emphasized during the design phase?
The platform serves as a test bed where hardware failures would distract from testing walking styles. - What is the primary purpose of this chassis?
It is intended as a learning platform for experimenting with different walking gaits. - How does this robot compare to Boston Dynamics models?
This DIY version aims to be capable but acknowledges that Boston Dynamics has set a higher bar for lifelike robots.
