My site has a link to my final presentation for Spidar. This doesn't mean that I'm finished with the robot, it just means that I've accomplished what I set out to do for the class. Anyway, check it out. I'll have some walking videos up soon.

I have a new look for my site and a new look for my robot...more details there. There's also a new video. I've got some crude walking motions but not good enough, in my opinion, to post. Check it out.

I'm working on a piece of hardware that will interface with my software which will make servo sequencing much faster. Hopefully the time that I have spent making this controller will decrease the amount of time that I spend sequencing servo motions. I'll put some pics up soon.

Today is my presentation that marks a half-way point in my project.

I posted a screenshot of my current Spidar Sequencer. This software will allow you to sequence up to 16 servos with four positions each. I am currently giving this program a bit of a makeover though. The next version will look more like a Yamaha RM1X sequencer. I am modelling the software after this music sequencer for a few reasons. First of all, I am trying to carry over some of the cool things about musical editing to robotic movement sequencing because I have experience with that. Second, the RM1X and other similar sequencers are pretty intuitive pieces of equipment to use. Therefore, it should be pretty easy to open the Spidar Sequencer and start using it. Hopefully, it will be something that can be used for more than just my robot.

I posted a video on my site that shows my robot standing up. I just finished the body, which is made of foamed pvc, and attached the legs. I added some springs to simulate muscles and help balance the load. Next I'm going to put a second level on the body and try over-volting the servos a bit for some extra strength. Oh yeah, the DS in the video does nothing...just got done with some MKDS that's all.

I assembled Spidar's legs today. I have a video posted of one of the legs in motion. It's a bit jerky, but that's due to my unsteady hand on the controls(a set of VB sliders). Next, I will be cutting a body out of plexiglass and attaching the legs. Then the real fun will begin! My website for Spidar has a bit of a new look, too.

I've finished most of the code for my Servo Sequencer, which is based on a music sequencer and sampler. The program allows you to create four-position sequences for up to sixteen channels(servos). These groups of sequences can be assigned to six different buttons, like a sampler. This allows you to make walk, run, sequences. I also received my leg brackets in the mail today, which I will be assembling soon.

Today I ordered aluminum brackets for my leg assembly, which will have 3 degrees of freedom. I have been working on writing 3 different sequencing programs to decide which layout and design makes it easier for me to develope locomotion sequences. I'm waiting on the legs to get here to cut out the body. I have also been testing motion sequences with the two prototype legs held up with wheels in the front and back. I have studied the gait of dogs and horses so far and plan to study the movement of spiders and insects as well. Spidar

Today I made two prototype legs. Each of them has 3 servos. Two servos act as a shoulder and thigh and one acts as a knee. The hip and thigh are currently held together by several cable ties and this assembly connects to the knee/calf with a threaded pushrod and servo attachments. I am controlling the prototypes with a Yost Engineering Servo Center. It only took me about thirty minutes to learn the protocol, characters sent through the serial port, and write a controller program in VB. My next steps will be making a sequencing program and cutting a plexiglass body.