Robotics

T8 robot tarantula gives everyone the willies

T8 robot tarantula gives everyone the willies
Robugtix's T8 is an 8-legged robot that will scare the bejeezus out of unsuspecting victims
Robugtix's T8 is an 8-legged robot that will scare the bejeezus out of unsuspecting victims
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Robugtix's iitsii is a smaller, more affordable hexapod robot kit
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Robugtix's iitsii is a smaller, more affordable hexapod robot kit
The T8, a lifelike octopod robot, comes with a realistic 3D-printed shell
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The T8, a lifelike octopod robot, comes with a realistic 3D-printed shell
The T8 uses the Bigfoot Inverse Kinematics Engine for realistic movement
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The T8 uses the Bigfoot Inverse Kinematics Engine for realistic movement
You control the T8 with an XBee wireless controller, sold separately
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You control the T8 with an XBee wireless controller, sold separately
Robugtix's T8 is an 8-legged robot that will scare the bejeezus out of unsuspecting victims
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Robugtix's T8 is an 8-legged robot that will scare the bejeezus out of unsuspecting victims
View gallery - 5 images

Legged robot kits aren't anything new, but unlike its competition, the T8 octopod comes with a disturbingly realistic 3D-printed exoskeleton that is sure to make an unforgettable first impression. Robugtix (a robotics company based in Hong Kong) is living up to its name with the lifelike robot tarantula, and it can be yours later this year for an introductory price of US$1,350.

The T8 is powered by 26 Hitec HS-35HD servo motors (three in each leg, and additional servos to wiggle its abdomen). This a fairly small servo type with low torque, so its performance is somewhat limited, but it keeps the cost down. The company says the first batch will ship September 30th.

The company is also offering a hexapod robot called the iitsii, but that one is smaller and doesn't have the realistic shell. It's made out of PCB and comes with 20 servos (which are even smaller and cheaper than those in the T8), and is therefore priced at a more affordable $250. This kit will be available August 31st.

Robugtix's iitsii is a smaller, more affordable hexapod robot kit
Robugtix's iitsii is a smaller, more affordable hexapod robot kit

Both robots come preloaded with the company's Bigfoot Inverse Kinematics Engine to control the legs, body position, and walking gait. This means you won't have to program the robot to move as realistically as a spider or ant, which would be pretty difficult and time-consuming to do yourself. The nice thing about inverse kinematics is the robot can tilt and shift its body menacingly while the legs remain still.

You'll also need to buy the Robugtix Controller (an extra $85) and a single 4 x AA 4.8V NiMH rechargeable battery pack, which unfortunately aren't included with the kit. The controller uses a wireless Xbee module to relay commands to the robot, which is essential if you're going to have it creep around corners to prank friends and family. And if you're interested, you'll probably want to pre-order now as both robots will go up in price after the early bird special.

Be sure to check out the robots in action in the following videos, and keep an eye on Robugtix's website in the coming weeks for videos of the robots walking and photos of the T8's internal structure.

Source: Robugtix via 3ders

T8 the Bio Inspired 3D Printed Spider Octopod Robot

iitsii the Hexapod Robot

View gallery - 5 images
8 comments
8 comments
Nairda
I've seen a few videos of this demonstrating body articulation. But how well does it walk on different surfaces and over objects.
BigGoofyGuy
I agree, it is very creepy looking. It is also very neat.
Jennifer Linsky
When they have a version that will hunt roaches, I'll gladly pay $1400. Until then... not so much.
cfg83
Awwwwww, it's a baby Tachikoma !!!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tachikoma
Fritz Menzel
Amazing! Could be a great platform for planetary exploration.
Will, the tink
Hey honey, look at the new spid...EEEEEEK...SMACK! Oh man, there goes $1,350 down the drain. You just smacked my toy robot!
Michael Crumpton
Make it bluetooth compatible with a smartphone app, and price it at $299 and they would sell millions.
TpPa
850 bucks, and they don't even show it walk, that is not a good confidence level.