Cheaper Robotics Through 3D Printing

Humanoid robotics are really cool, but the cost can be prohibitive for a hobbyist. Although it’s hard to get around the cost of the high quality servos typical of a good humanoid robot, Michael Overstreet is out to prove that 3D printing can provide most of the other mechanical parts.

Michael has been experimenting with 3D printing parts for his robots for several years. Lately he’s been working on Robby, his clone of the Robotis DARwin-OP humanoid robot. Although he could have high quality parts printed by a service like Shapeways, Michael strives to get as many parts as possible printed on affordable 3D printers that an individual might own.

Micheal will be at World Maker Faire in New York this September giving demonstrations of his humanoid robots to show just what a hobbyist can accomplish in this field with 3D printing. Michael will also let kids play soccer with his robots, or control them by voice and cue card commands.

Michael Overstreet and Robby, his DARwin-OP clone.

Robot evolution through 3D printing.

The commercial version of DARwin-OP, left, and Michael’s 3D-printed clone, right.

Michael’s 3D printed version of the DARwin-OP was featured in Make: Vol 34.

You can follow along with Michael’s developments on his blog: I, Bioloid.