During my sophomore year of high school, I built a hexapod robot. Inspired by real hexapods, I designed, 3D-printed, and coded the robot, also creating a custom PCB for control. Additionally, I programmed a camera-equipped robotic arm with object recognition and automated picking capabilities. This project expanded my skills in robotics, computer vision, and PCB design, deepening my passion for engineering.
Timeline
6 months (June–November 2020)
Team
Solo project (self-directed)
Role
Lead Engineer
Components
Embedded systems development
Computer vision
PCB design
Inverse kinematics
Awards
Create Studio Best Design
STATUS
Completed
Tools
Fusion 360
Arduino IDE (C++)
Python (OpenCV)
KiCad
Design Process
The hexapod features three servo motors per leg (tibia, femur, coxa) for precise articulation, paired with an off-the-shelf robotic arm mounted on top. The entire shell was 3D printed for lightweight durability.
3D Render/CAD
Software / Electronics
Electronics Stack:
Arduino Mega for servo control and power management
Raspberry Pi running custom computer vision scripts
Custom PCB for signal distribution
Dual-Language System:
C++ (Arduino): Inverse kinematics solver with 4 biomimetic gaits
Python (RPi): OpenCV object detection + movement algorithms
Electronics
SOFTWARE
Challenges
Navigating through the project, I encountered a series of significant challenges, especially in developing the actuation technology. My initial approach, utilizing linear actuators, was hindered by their sluggish response and prohibitive cost. This led me to pivot towards servo motors. While servos offered improved efficiency, they brought their own set of issues, notably a tendency to break under strain. To mitigate this, I integrated temperature and current sensors to safeguard the motors from damage.
MEDIA
Other Projects
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