KnexBeest

An knex based lifeform inspired (or reverse engineered) on the works of dutch artist/engineer Theo Jansen

Recommended material (inspiration):

http://youtube.com/watch?v=a7Ny5BYc-Fs
http://www.cove.org/ape/demo2.htm
http://www.cove.org/ape/demo2.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0G3FliONyuc&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GgOn66knqA&mode=related&search=

Step 1 Legs.

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

Comments

[squiddy412]

I don't get it

[callumlewin]

 do you have to have those specific rods to create the beest

[rybubbles]

make it motorized

[Mepain]

I'm making one of these too! Here's a video i made a while back.

[joostw]

Can you make a Instructable of your design?

[joostw]

(He moves a lot more natural)

[TeacherOfTheWays]

Mepain, could you please post a few pictures of yours because I am making one based off of it. Thanks!

[Daniel662000]

post it

[bunduk]

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that is a section of what i got when i clicked on the link to your movie

[Mepain]

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]

ahh that robot is well good how many motors did you use?

[Mepain]

One.

[Paul the Mole]

@ Kiteman: Right-click and save as... works fine. Looks great by the way!

[Kiteman]

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]

It is incomplete, and needs more legs (at least 8 more) before it can walk properly.

[Kiteman]

I think you need to re-upload that video - all I got was bunch of random text characters, not even media player starting.

[Sypran]

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]

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]

i have windows media player...odd... well it dosnt matter

[agent harmsy]

Post! im making a battle robot and this would work really well!

[elg0nz]

Nice, you should try to put the feet in this design to yours, I'm sure they will let it walk.

[flames10391]

make these on line at sodaplay.com

[srhadaham]

sorry for super late question but how does sodaplay.com work?

[flames10391]

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]

why don't u put a motor on it then u wont have to turn the rod

[srhadaham]

this model would require either one super strong motor or several normal motors

[Sypran]

[Skreetsha]

lol coolest walker ever

[meming]

that dutch guy could ride in one of "his things" insted of a car

[idy26]

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]

dutch lol

[the_burrito_master]

is this thing able to walk?

[Kiteman]

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]

I found this on YouTube - just begging for an Instructable: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tp8aK_m3ckc

[Rage]

PS, its made of knex not wood. ;)

[Rage]

hey, so did I!! i've made the 2 of four legs and im going to continue it soon

[crestind]

Those are unbelievable... The leg movement is amazingly natural.

[cowscankill]

that looks cool, but does it move?

[elg0nz]

yes, check out

[cowscankill]

cool!