Vorpal Robotics Wiki
Log in

Vorpal The Hexapod

From Vorpal Robotics Wiki
Revision as of 05:31, 27 October 2017 by Ehadmin (talk | contribs) (How Do I Get it/Build it?)

The Vorpal Combat Hexapod is a low cost, easy to build hexapod that includes a Bluetooth gamepad. 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 is made for educational fun through friendly competition and there are endless ways it can be used by both the hobbyist and teachers. The Vorpal Hexapod has these features:

  • 12 degrees of freedom using all-metal gear mini servos.
  • Bluetooth wireless control using the custom Vorpal Button Gamepad
  • Arduino open source hardware used on both the gamepad and hexapod
  • 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?

Vorpal Hexapod Quick Links:

The Vorpal Hexapod is now live on Kickstarter! Click here to check out the project page now!

You have several options for buying the Vorpal Hexapod:

  • Buy it completely built and ready to use
  • Buy all the parts, including the structural parts, and assemble yourself (assembly time is about 90 minutes)
  • Buy just the electronics, and you 3D print the free STL files for the structural parts, then assemble yourself

The first option is the most convenient (and the most expensive, although the Vorpal Hexapod is still among the least expensive complete Hexapods on the market).

The second and third options are a lot more educational and fun, and will allow you to explore making your own enhancements. If you have a 3D printer, the third option is the most economical of all, because you can print all the parts you need for only about $10 worth of filament.

No soldering is necessary when building the kit. Age for build: 6th grade through adult. Adult supervision is suggested for students who are younger than high school level.

See Vorpal Hexapod Purchase for information on where to order parts or fully built hexapods.

Vorpal VH12 Combat Hexapod Robot