CrowBot - test animation of rear end mech structure (WIP)
At the beginning of this year I decided one of my projects was going to be building a mech robot somewhere between the size of a crow and a duck. I want it to fly, walk, hop, perch, grab things and generally act as much like a real bird as I can achieve. It will have a bunch of other capabilities too when its done! I started some time in March - it's my third project of the year.
In the same vein as my robot arm, I wanted every part that I made to exist because of its function. It looks the way it does mainly because of the job it does, because of how it was made and because of what it's made of.
I have designed, constructed and textured every single component, no kitbashing (I wouldn't know where to start doing that!) - The flooring is a Poliigon texture. The HDRI is from HDRI Haven.
I will add more images and animations as I make progress. I estimate that it will take another two or three months to finish it.
Animated walk cycle showing the complex linkages of the pelvis and tail movements.
Pelvic structure from above.
The hydraulic pipes underneath the lower pelvic rocker plate.
Another underside view showing the rams that actuate the tail tilt as well as the central hip frame.
Inner view of the rams that swivel the hips as the weight transfers from one leg to the other.
Top view of the rams that swivel the entire hip structure from side to side as each leg reaches forward.
Left side hip showing the hip carrier attached to the hip stub with upper and lower ball joints and caliper pistons working in a similar way to a car's front suspension.
Detail of the heel mechanism, operated by a chain and sprocket, actuating the foot in a similar way to the main tendons in the human foot.
Detail of the foot, which is rigged to be animated in a number of ways, from grasping, spreading, crushing, relaxing, folding and moving independently.