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Step 1: Legs.

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The legs are the most important part of the beest, they dictate its walking and its height.
Theo Jansen used an genetic selection algorithm to determine the right proportions for each part of the leg. Here we are just using standard knex parts (as you will see later, the parts used in the example legs are different from the ones used in the actual beest, but the proportions are the same).

This part was reversed engineered from the following:
(notice the bottom triangle is different from the top one)
http://flickr.com/photos/mangtronix/463398703/in/pool-strandbeest/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GgOn66knqA&mode=related&search=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CufN43By79s&mode=related&search=
http://www.mechanisms101.com/theo_jansen.shtml
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squiddy412 says: Aug 9, 2010. 1:48 PM
I don't get it
callumlewin says: Jan 22, 2010. 10:20 AM
 do you have to have those specific rods to create the beest
rybubbles says: Oct 13, 2009. 5:09 PM
make it motorized
Mepain says: Oct 7, 2007. 11:11 AM
I'm making one of these too! Here's a video i made a while back.
joostw in reply to MepainDec 23, 2008. 6:38 AM
Can you make a Instructable of your design?
joostw in reply to joostwDec 23, 2008. 6:40 AM
(He moves a lot more natural)
TeacherOfTheWays in reply to MepainOct 28, 2007. 1:36 PM
Mepain, could you please post a few pictures of yours because I am making one based off of it. Thanks!
Daniel662000 in reply to MepainOct 13, 2007. 4:14 PM
post it
bunduk in reply to MepainOct 9, 2007. 11:02 AM
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that is a section of what i got when i clicked on the link to your movie
Mepain in reply to bundukOct 9, 2007. 11:29 AM
Quote (Paul the Mole): "@ Kiteman: Right-click and save as... works fine. Looks great by the way!" I don't know if this works, but try it.
bunduk in reply to MepainNov 3, 2007. 12:01 PM
ahh that robot is well good how many motors did you use?
Mepain in reply to bundukNov 3, 2007. 1:24 PM
One.
Paul the Mole in reply to MepainOct 8, 2007. 8:38 AM
@ Kiteman: Right-click and save as... works fine. Looks great by the way!
Kiteman in reply to Paul the MoleOct 9, 2007. 9:03 AM
I found the problem - I was looking at work and the media player had been disabled "for security reasons".

Mepain - it moves smoothly in the air, but does it walk? Post another video and let us see.
Mepain in reply to KitemanOct 9, 2007. 11:30 AM
It is incomplete, and needs more legs (at least 8 more) before it can walk properly.
Kiteman in reply to MepainOct 8, 2007. 5:50 AM
I think you need to re-upload that video - all I got was bunch of random text characters, not even media player starting.
Sypran in reply to KitemanJan 5, 2008. 9:32 AM
same here! but is there like a program i need to run these things cause everything i try through that link leads to the random text
Kiteman in reply to SypranJan 6, 2008. 6:21 AM
If it works, it should work in Windows Media Player. If you don't have it, I think it's a free download (it cam bundled in my software).
Sypran in reply to KitemanJan 6, 2008. 7:20 PM
i have windows media player...odd... well it dosnt matter
agent harmsy in reply to MepainOct 7, 2007. 11:03 PM
Post! im making a battle robot and this would work really well!
elg0nz (author) in reply to MepainOct 7, 2007. 7:33 PM
Nice, you should try to put the feet in this design to yours, I'm sure they will let it walk.
flames10391 says: Oct 7, 2007. 1:41 PM
make these on line at sodaplay.com
srhadaham in reply to flames10391Dec 10, 2008. 10:06 AM
sorry for super late question but how does sodaplay.com work?
flames10391 in reply to srhadahamDec 10, 2008. 1:39 PM
idk if its the same as it used to but its like you connect all the pieces together and you use like gravity and recorded movement to make it do whatever but im not sure
crazykilla says: Oct 8, 2007. 12:33 AM
why don't u put a motor on it then u wont have to turn the rod
srhadaham in reply to crazykillaDec 10, 2008. 10:02 AM
this model would require either one super strong motor or several normal motors
Sypran says: Mar 6, 2008. 7:57 PM

Skreetsha in reply to SypranOct 2, 2008. 12:14 PM
lol coolest walker ever
idy26 says: Nov 29, 2007. 8:25 PM
pretty cool i think i could make a better, greater functioning one. That German (I think) artist was amazing though. i think hes the first person to so greatly inspire me to build.
berrygunks in reply to idy26Dec 29, 2007. 11:17 AM
dutch lol
the_burrito_master says: Nov 2, 2007. 5:05 PM
is this thing able to walk?
Kiteman says: Oct 8, 2007. 5:48 AM
You need rubber booties to get a grip. Otherwise, very nice - I'm a fan of Jansen, and this is a neat interpretation of his models.
Kiteman in reply to KitemanOct 8, 2007. 5:52 AM
I found this on YouTube - just begging for an Instructable: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tp8aK_m3ckc
Rage in reply to KitemanOct 8, 2007. 11:52 PM
PS, its made of knex not wood. ;)
Rage in reply to KitemanOct 8, 2007. 11:50 PM
hey, so did I!! i've made the 2 of four legs and im going to continue it soon
crestind says: Oct 8, 2007. 6:01 PM
Those are unbelievable... The leg movement is amazingly natural.
cowscankill says: Oct 7, 2007. 10:31 AM
that looks cool, but does it move?
elg0nz (author) in reply to cowscankillOct 7, 2007. 6:52 PM
yes, check out

cowscankill in reply to elg0nzOct 8, 2007. 1:53 PM
cool!
bre says: Oct 7, 2007. 9:26 PM
Wow, this is super cool!
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