Bug Bot 2

thingiverse

Here is how I came up with this new improved version of my original Bug Bot (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1065468). This one's bigger and better for several reasons, particularly to make assembly a bit easier for young hands: I built in the battery case; I'm planning on posting it separately soon as its own design improvement. Using a great idea I saw from my original Bug Bot (using metal zip ties) made the contacts ridiculously simple to make. There are also jumpers placed throughout each contact point that allow for connections without solder, providing some pressure and resistance by having the battery pushed against them which secures those wires. An easy-to-use switch was integrated, all you need is 2 screws and a little bit of zip tie. (or simply place a jumper between two batteries to make power flow continuous). This new bug robot features more space for movement so there's ample room to install vibration motors within it; an easier setup because there are fewer moving parts to have assemble or wire. Keep in mind, I am fully aware spiders do indeed have 8 legs versus only six which makes me label mine the "Bug" rather than "Spider". However when trying eight-legged I was quickly overwhelmed - especially considering assembling something so intricate is much more suited towards adults working alongside kids; if one feels compelled they could just drill out some extra holes, however this project's designed specifically to get young engineers excited and started without making it overwhelmingly hard. Happy building.