A low-cost robot for multi-robot experiments

Abstract

This paper presents a design for a low-cost research robot based on the chassis of a Hexbug Spider, a remote controlled toy robot. Our modification replaces the robot head with a 3d printed adapter part which provides space for sensors, a larger battery, and a microcontroller board. In a second part of the paper we address the manufacturing process of such a robot. The presented robot costs far less than 100 Euro and is suitable for swarm robotic experiments. The hexapod locomotion makes the robot attractive for applications where a two wheel differential drive cannot be used. Our modification is published as open hardware and open source to allow further customizations.