Dogbot: Progress

In the last few months I spent two weeks in Hawaii, I moved 6 hours outside of Philadelphia, my wife started a new job, and we got an actual dog. In other words, life happened. But I'm still passionate about robotics when life isn't happening, like right now.

My 3d printer is still in a box and may still be in that box for the weeks to come, but my computers are set up. I started using Solidworks again and am thoroughly enjoying the experience! The tool is truly inspiring, letting me work out ideas and inspire new ideas in real time. Here's a render of my current Dogbot leg design.

Other than designing parts I've also put a lot of thought into the electronics. Since I don't have the time to work on my Mill right now, or to design my own boards, I am going to use the Mux Shield on an Arduino Leonardo.

I need the Mux Shield because I am using 16 servos in the design and at least 36 sensors, including pressure sensors, accelerometers, servo hacking, and depth sensors. Yes, I always bite off more than I can chew. I have to say, it's good to be back!

Update: Here's a video render of the new leg design.