MSR-H101 Hexapod kit lets you build your own nightmares

Robot builder Matt Denton apparently first built a one-off Hexapod robot for himself some time ago, but he's now taken things one big step further and is offering a kit of a similar bot to the general public through Micromagic Systems. In addition to being excessively creepy (just check out the video after the break), the MSR-101 Hexapod also looks to be relatively simple to get going straight out of the box, with it boasting a built-in HexEngine with plenty of pre-loaded settings, and built-in PS2 controller suppport, which'll let you parade your creation about without having to mess around with it too much beforehand. Of course, there's also plenty of room for more experienced robot builders to get their hands dirty, and Micromagic is more than happy to sell you a whole slew of optional add-ons for the kit. Those just looking to get started, however, can simply grab the base kit in their choice of black, red, or silver for an entirely reasonable €105, or roughly $168 -- just don't blame us if you never get a good night's sleep again.

[Thanks, David]

Update: It turns out that you do need slightly more than the base kit to get the bot up and walking -- namely, some extra servos and electronics detailed at the read link below -- so don't be too hasty with that order.

[hiroo @ Nov 1st 2008 3:22AM]

I want one! I can scare the hell out of my bitchy partner with this...

[lowdef @ Nov 1st 2008 3:29AM]

bitchy partner troubles eh?

[GoCarnivore @ Nov 1st 2008 3:30AM]

bitchy "partner"? Is that the new politically-correct way to refer to your spouse/girlfriend?

So like, I was totally scaring my bitchy PARTNER with a six-legged technological terror.

[j_g_puff @ Nov 1st 2008 8:33AM]

Once you've scared that bitchy partner out of your life, you can woo another one with this smooth-moving groove machine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUH3m6ZyW-g

I wish I could have one of those for 105 euro.

[Flashpoint @ Nov 1st 2008 9:38AM]

My nightmare is a Palin Presidency.

How much will that cost us?

[Junrin @ Nov 1st 2008 3:35AM]

Is it wrong that I want to build a tachikoma out of it?

[why not the LS2LS7? @ Nov 1st 2008 3:35AM]

€105 is US$168?

Wow, it hasn't been that way for months. Right now €105 is US$134.

[lowdef @ Nov 1st 2008 3:44AM]

for now...

[Str1ker @ Nov 1st 2008 3:40AM]

Is this for nightmares only?

[tamadusa @ Nov 1st 2008 3:47AM]

168 looks cheap, However, thats just the kit with basically just the frame
"Kit does not come with servos, electronics or batteries."

[JDR @ Nov 1st 2008 4:34AM]

Yeah, I was thinking that too. Just the 18 servos needed cost over $500 USD. It adds up to be a mighty expensive project.

[kakapo @ Nov 1st 2008 6:08AM]

This "kit" is far from complete:

http://www.hexapodrobot.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=29

Look at the list of additional items that are needed to make it operational.

You need to correct your article. It is misleading.

[Matt Denton @ Nov 1st 2008 6:46AM]

The base kit as described is only for the aluminium chassis parts, fixtures and fittings. No servos or electronics included. I have contacted engadget to update the post if this is misleading. The store does clearly state what is and is not included:

MSR-H01 is a 3 DOF hexapod kit consisting of 26 precision laser cut 5053 aluminum body and leg components in one of three anodized colors, Silver, Red or Black. The kit comes with all screws, stand-offs, nuts and bolts for assembly.

The M3 & M4 machine screws included are high quality stainless steel hexagon button head type, with steel hexagon stand-offs. There are mounting holes on the top body plate for the p.Brain-SMB or SSC32 controllers, with the electronics mounted underneath the top body plate, there is still enough room within the body for a 5 cell Sub-C battery pack. Also, a PP3 battery holder (optional) can be fitted within the body frame for a clean logic power supply. At the front of the hexapod there is a servo mounting point for an optional pan/tilt head.

Kit does not come with servos, electronics or batteries.

[SiXiam @ Nov 1st 2008 7:39AM]

It even shakes like the robots in Runaway:

All it needs is a needle that can inject acid and I'll bite...

[SpringheelMac @ Nov 1st 2008 9:32AM]

Anyone seen the movie "Virus"?

[Snyper64 @ Nov 1st 2008 11:14AM]

Seen it, one of the few movies that ever really scared shit out of me. And yes it does remind me of the big behemoth robot at the end of the movie.

[Jon Nelson @ Nov 1st 2008 12:11PM]

http://www.doomwadstation.com/bestiary/spider_mastermind.gif

Spider Mastermind from Doom 2, anyone?

[Mark F @ Nov 1st 2008 12:39PM]

@ Jon Nelson

O yeah, this is definitely bringing back Doom 2 memories

[you @ Nov 1st 2008 2:48PM]

put in some high speed servo's and that thing could jump up and wrap around your face!

[Uncontrol @ Nov 1st 2008 5:16PM]

i read engadget for the headlines

[cody @ Nov 1st 2008 5:38PM]

this doesn't impress me that much, if i were to buy something like this i would actually want it to be fast so it can run up on people and actually freak them out, not move slow like a stupid zombie.

[Matt Denton @ Nov 3rd 2008 4:43PM]

Then you will need to install faster servos.. like this one:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=5hbAMFAnui4

[Myridom @ Nov 1st 2008 5:40PM]

That's just over $1000.00 US for the kit plus all the parts not included.. Not so good now!

[M @ Nov 1st 2008 7:01PM]

I had a robotic Spydor He-Man toy that was very similar to this back in the 80s. It just walked though, didn't turn around.

http://www.he-man.org/primary_sects/toys/images/collector_guides/motu_class/vehicle_shots/spydor_01.jpg

Brings back memories.

[M @ Nov 1st 2008 7:15PM]

Ok, well maybe not very similar - but it does remind me of that toy.

Random question: does anyone know how to change the email address that our username posts with? I know how to change my password, but not the email...

[Steve Jobless @ Nov 2nd 2008 11:10AM]

Too small, the tiny thing cannot reach up to the refrigerator door and get me a beer. But would be OK for cleaning my toenails.

[Robert J Loomis III @ Nov 2nd 2008 12:23PM]

There are a variety of these types of kits available

[delmj6 @ Apr 28th 2009 2:06PM]

I just built a new hexapod, it brings me my shampoo in the shower, as well as fluffs my pillow before my bed time, which is 7:34p.m.

It is a very handy-dandy device, and i love it like a brother.
Because i never had one.