Build a Small Spider Robot with Arduino

This small robot is still under improvement by the author, currently capable of throwing a net, climbing, and swinging.

Main Materials

• Arduino UNO
• Arduino Nano R3

After designing a frame model using CAD, the author 3D printed the parts, assembled all the components together.

The mainboard of the spider robot is controlled by an Arduino Nano (the author has been using UNO for prototyping, but the smaller size of Nano is much better for the final construction), along with an HM-10 Bluetooth module, so the robot can be controlled via a mobile phone, and a PCA9685 servo driver.

Production Process

First, the author had to solve the problem of the spider robot “spitting silk.” The author quickly thought of using a grappling hook idea.

Then there was another problem:

1. What material should be used for the “spider silk”? (After some quick tests, the author finally used Kevlar thread, also known as “aramid”)

2. How should the grappling hook be launched?

The author decided not to use compressed air, but to create a spring mechanism (actually using a ballpoint pen spring), as the grappling hook and thread are small and light, making it easier to fit this small spring into the robot.

The entire launch mechanism is loaded by pushing in the hook and setting the trigger, then the motor pushes down the trigger lever to trigger it. There is also an additional motor to control the aiming up and down.

The next challenge is the winch and release mechanism, used to tighten the hook, climb the net, and release at the right moment while swinging.

The author tried many times, and the first time, the whole robot fell apart…

After adjusting the parameters, on the second swinging attempt (this time higher and further), the robot’s components successfully stayed together, at least for the prototype, it was considered a success.

The author also mentioned that this will be a key area for improvement in the next design.

Initial Effect Display

Currently, the robot can successfully climb walls!

It can even go steal chips!