Inchworm-inspired robot
Why build this?
Inchworms are not only very cute, but they also have a very fascinating way of getting around. If you've never really seen how they move, please watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcIbT6F0U1w
I'm very interested in different mechanisms... and different ways of locomotion, so I decided to try my version of an inchworm, especially because of its peculiar way of locomotion.
The build
The mechanical part is based on Lynxmotion Smart Servos. I used five LSS ST1 and brackets from the Servo Erector Set V2.
I've also used LEGO wheels that are used for locomotion when it's convenient to eliminate friction, and EVA foam on both ends for a soft touch to the ground when friction is useful.
Electronics
A Lynxmotion LSS 2IO Arduino Compatible Board was the brain chosen, not only because it fully interfaces with the smart servos, but also because of its very small size which was very convenient for this very compact project. In addition, the small board still has 3 digital and 3 analog pins, and I used only 1 analog pin to connect the RadioLink RC remote controller receiver.
To power the robot, I used a 2s 7.4V 1000mAh Lipo battery. As the servo motors have a voltage range of 6 to 12.6V, and also as the project is very small and doesn't need the whole torque of the servo motors, the 7.4V was fine. In addition, the size of the battery also matched the width of the brackets where it is attached.
The gait
The real inchworm has three pairs of front legs that help it "walk" in the movement I call the "push stance", and two pairs of hind legs (actually called prolegs) which are basically "dragged" in the movement I call the "pull stance".
In my approach, I didn't reproduce all the legs that the inchworm has, as that would greatly increase the size of the project. Instead, I just tried to reproduce its main and most characteristic movement, which is the bend of its body. The gait I developed is divided into four phases, and each phase has its “target positions” represented in the image below.
Conclusion
The wheeled approach feels like a cheat considering we're talking about an animal with legs, and they really made it easier by eliminating friction with the ground. But I'm thinking of building a version without the wheels, which will probably add to the difficulty quite a bit as half the body will have to be lifted off the ground and that ends up being quite difficult to balance.
Overall it was a really fun project... also a fun way to learn a little more about this very interesting insect, and an instant hit with the kids at home. :)
Inchworm-inspired robot
- Comments(0)
- Likes(0)
- 0 USER VOTES
- YOUR VOTE 0.00 0.00
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
More by Mech-Dickel Robotics
- Inchworm-inspired robot Why build this?Inchworms are not only very cute, but they also have a very fascinating way of gettin...
- 15 DOF Robotic Hand Why build this?The motivation behind this project was the robotic hand stand for the Battlebots trop...
- Wearable Arduino Power Gripper ConceptWhile I was designing this mad gadget, I had in my mind a desire to create something with a r...
- DIY Arduino + nRF24L01 remote controller This is my brand new totally custom and DIY remote controller for robots.The frames and the bracket ...
- R2D2 (minimalist) This PCB was inspired by one of the most popular robots in sci-fi. It has a minimalist design, prese...
- Baby Yoda with lightsaber Grogu, aka "the Child", aka "Baby Yoda", is the cutest creature ever, right?! Inspired by him, I dec...
- The PCB Guitar This is a PCB inspired by one of coolest guitars of rock 'n' roll: Zakk Wylde's Les Paul Custom.The ...
- mechDOG (DIY robot dog) Hey, guys! I would like to share with you my new project: mechDOG (quadruped robot based on Arduino)...
- N64-inspired robot controller (Arduino + nRF24L01) Since my first robotic project I use game controllers to execute commands and functions. This is cer...
- STEGObot: stegosaurus robot IntroThe concept of this little buddy has the will to create more playful robots to make my 4 year o...
- STEGObot (a stegosaurus-like remote controlled robot) Recently, I got very enchanted with a few robots that I saw on web and YouTube videos, which use a v...
- Making a PIXAR Lamp Robot (Luxo Jr.) This is one of my current projects... so, it is not completed yet. But I'm having much fun making it...
- Halloween mBot Halloween is coming... so, last saturday, my 4-year-old son and I spent the day making this hacking ...
- DIY Robot Dog For a long time I wanted to build a quadruped robot. And... you guys may have seen in some of my vid...
- Object follower robot (with mBot + Pixy) Robots are cool. Robots that run around even more... but robots that follow things are awesome!So, w...
- Minion robot made with Kinder Egg capsule and Arduino I kept that capsule (obtained from a Kinder Egg) in a scrap box for about four years ... until one d...
- Automata Pilgrim 7000 Head As I said before: "Movies can be a great source of inspiration for our projects."The movie that insp...
- DC#01 (Johnny 5-inspired robot) This project was created to go to a new home.Ok, let me explain... about some time ago I've met a gu...
-
-
-
-
-
-
3D printed Enclosure Backplate for Riden RD60xx power supplies
154 1 1 -
-