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Gidget The Gigapod

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Revision as of 16:40, 28 January 2020 by Vorpalwiki (talk | contribs)

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

THIS PAGE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND PROJECTS MENTIONED MAY NOT BE COMPLETE OR FOR SALE AT THIS TIME

Introduction

Gidget the Gigapod is a version of our popular Vorpal The Hexapod project that's even bigger than Max the Megapod. It's 32 times the build volume of Vorpal the Hexapod. All the structural parts are 3D printed, allowing you to modify the design easily, reprint parts when needed, and save money (if you have a 3D printer) by only purchasing the electronic parts.

What can it do?

This robot was mainly created for public demonstrations. It's so large that we don't recommend it for general use around children except in controlled environments. Some of the features include:

  • Software compatible with our popular smaller version, Vorpal The Hexapod. This includes all Scratch programming features!
  • 12 degrees of freedom using all-metal gear high torque (60 kg-cm) large size servos.
  • Bluetooth wireless control using the custom Vorpal Gamepad
  • Arduino open source hardware used on both the gamepad and gigapod
  • The gamepad has many preprogrammed functions for walking, dancing, and fighting style competitions.
  • A unique feature allows gamepad functions to be recorded and replayed. For example, record a dancing session, then rewind and replay it all from the gamepad!
  • MIT Scratch Programming!
    • Tether the gamepad to your computer via USB and control the hexapod using your own Scratch code.
    • Scratch programs can both wirelessly control the robot and read sensor data from optional sensors on the robot.
  • Tremendous Expandability! The built in hardware and sensor expansion ports guarantee nearly unlimited expandability. Besides the accessories we already have, we are working on tons of new cool extensions, and you can also create your own using a 3D printer and standard, inexpensive sensors and other hardware.


How Do I Get it/Build it?

Max The Megapod kits are a special order item from our store (see low cost hexapod robot kits).

You have several options for obtaining Max:

  • Buy all the parts, including the structural parts, and assemble yourself (assembly time is about three hours). You do not need a 3d printer for this option. However this is a special order kit from our store since there is a limited market for robots of this size, so allow 4 to 6 weeks before it is shipped.
  • Buy the electronics/fasteners, and print the 3D parts yourself. The parts you will need to print require a printer with a build volume of 260mm cube (about 11 inches cube).
  • Self-source all the parts and build from the Open Source plans.

No soldering is necessary when building our kit, considerable soldering is required if you self-source. Age for build from our kit: 10th grade through adult. Adult supervision is suggested for students.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Gidget has super-powerful servo motors and is not for use by children. Keep fingers clear of legs when Gidget is operating. It is easy for these servos to break fingers under the right circumstances or cause other injuries. Gidget is big and love-able and small children are naturally fascinated by her, so adult supervision is required to make sure little fingers stay safe. Children should not be allowed to touch Gidget while it is turned on.

See our Vorpal Robotics Store for information on where to order parts for all our hexapod projects.

Vorpal The Hexapod Robot


More Questions?

See our Gidget The Gigapod FAQ for answers to the most common questions, or send email to support@vorpalrobotics.com if you don't see the info you need there.

Gidget the Gigapod Quick Links

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