- Build a Better LEG -

Most BEAM legged robots, though not all by any means, have a pair of assemblies which are both made up of a single shaped rod or stiff wire which is attached to a gearmotor. Each acts as both the left and right legs and is mounted to either the front or rear of the bot at an appropriate angle to provide the needed tilt or thrust. For a better explaination

-See The Andrew Miller Site listed below-

This is all well and good for simple light seeking bugbots, but I believe that versatile, independently functional legs are needed to make your creatures more competent at interaction with the comlexities of the real world

The more degrees of freedom, that is directions of movement, the legs are capable of, the better

At least  if you want them to have a real purpose.

If you want machines that are more than cool looking.

Machines that can actually do something useful.

ven if it is just picking up the sox you leave on the floor.

You know, the ones your wife, or mother keep complaining about.

Here is a tip.

I have found that perforated plumbing strap, sometimes called hanger iron with some machines screws, washers,

and nuts are quite good tools to use for working out different types of joints and linkages, i.e. KNEES,ANKLES, and HIPS.

The strapping is soft and easy to cut and bend and it has nicely spaced holes along its length.

Try it, you'll like it.

Once you've come up with a design that accomplishes the kind of motion you are after, you can transfer the design to whatever material you have chosen for your leg assemblies.

If you Click on the buttons you can see some of the leg designs I have come up with so far.

There is also a piece I wrote about some other things you may find useful.

So Long,

Droidmakr

February -7- 2000

Links

Legged Robot eGroup  A Miller on Legs