For my final project in Special Topics in DIY Design and Fabrication, I aimed to create a smaller, simplified version of the many kinetic sculptures designed by Theo Jansen, called Strandbeesten. This smaller version of the Strandbeest would be controlled electrically with an Arduino rather than by the wind (as original Strandbeesten are powered) due to different scaling and environmental factors.
The final project features two pairs of legs designed with ratios from Jansen's linkage, automated with two DC motors coupled to toy wheels and an Arduino board (9V battery powered). It was assembled using slot fit laser cut 3mm white acrylic and 6mm clear acrylic bonded with acrylic cement and/or friction. Active joints were assembled with headless M4 screws and threaded plastic bolt nut caps with laser cut spacers in between layers to reduce friction. While the StrandBeetle is unable to fully support itself on its own, it is able to semi-reliably perform walking motions on par to that of its larger sibling.
The design process began with sketches based on research on the Strandbeest, Jansen's linkage, and common pitfalls encountered when building these kinetic sculptures. Common problems in creating a Strandbeest include too much friction within the joints or instability of the legs/spine.
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