Educational robotics company Hiwonder has released miniHexa, an AI hexapod robot based on an ESP32 with Arduino programming support. Its physical prowess comes from its 18 individual servo motors that enable realistic hexapod locomotion and complex maneuvers. It can strafe in any direction without needing to turn around through the use of inverse kinematics algorithms. The bot can be controlled using its PC software, Android app, and iOS app.
Equipped with various sensors like AI vision, ultrasonic, etc, the robot possesses a certain degree of autonomy that lets it interact with its environment and tackle obstacles. The robot can dynamically adjust its body position and stance, allowing it to participate in complex activities like climbing, twisting, or even fighting. Its built-in IMU sensor allows it to responsively balance itself. Having features like motion tracking and face recognition, the bot demonstrates its potential for real-world use cases from security monitoring to interactive entertainment.
The robot is open source with access to code, schematics, 3D models, as well as detailed tutorials for all skill levels. The design leaves a great deal of room for users to add new components and capabilities. Paired with the company’s Wonder Echo voice interaction module, the robot can even participate in conversations and act as an interactive companion.
