Koda the Walking Bear

Robot Studio

Jan 2024 - May 2024

This independent project involved the design and construction of a bio-inspired quadrupedal robot, developed entirely from concept to working prototype. The robot’s locomotion is based on Jansen linkages, a mechanical system known for creating lifelike walking motions. The project spanned mechanical design, CAD modeling, 3D printing, embedded programming, and gait implementation. The finished prototype demonstrates both walking and dancing gaits, controlled wirelessly via a Raspberry Pi, and serves as a hands-on exploration of robotics, motion planning, and system integration.

[digital project]

Goals

  • Independently design and prototype a quadrupedal walking robot inspired by biological motion.
  • Apply Jansen linkage principles to create stable and lifelike gait cycles.
  • Integrate embedded hardware and wireless control for autonomous gait execution.
  • Develop walking and expressive motions (e.g., dancing) through programmed gaits.
  • Compile documentation and media to make one final journey video.

Features

  • Bio-inspired quadrupedal design powered by Jansen linkage-based locomotion.
  • 3D-printed custom components designed in Fusion 360 for lightweight and rapid prototyping.
  • Raspberry Pi onboard controller enabling flexible motion control.
  • Gaits programmed in Python supporting both walking and dancing motions.
  • Wireless control system for untethered operation and demonstration.
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[digital project][digital project]

Specific Contributions

  1. Conceived, designed, and built the entire robot from sketch to functional prototype.
  2. Taught myself Jansen linkage mechanics and applied them to create stable quadrupedal locomotion.
  3. Developed and programmed walking and dancing gaits in Python, executed on Raspberry Pi.
  4. Integrated wireless control for seamless user operation.
  5. Created a journey video showcasing my progress throughout the project.

Final Journey Video