[Theo Jansen] is recognized for his impressive walking creations known as the Strandbeests, which are powered by natural elements and feature an elegant walking mechanism. If you’ve ever wanted to create your own version, [Antonio Garcia] has created a guide to help you get started on a smaller scale.
This particular build employs traditional crafting techniques, using popsicle sticks for the legs, toothpicks for the joints, and a cardboard box for the main body. A small brushed DC motor is utilized for propulsion, running on a few AA batteries for simplicity. The gearmotor provides enough torque to ensure smooth movement of the walking mechanism.
Although it doesn’t harness natural elements and is not as tall as most humans, it still boasts a captivating gait and serves as a source of inspiration with its design. For those interested in delving deeper into this, studying [Theo Jansen’s] original designs can offer valuable insights. Check out the video below for a demonstration.
Image Source: Yasin Hasan @ShutterStock