This Raspberry Pi Pico spider robot spookily wiggles as people approach
Halloween is almost here, and there’s still time to whip up a spooky Raspberry Pi project like the impressive spider robot by robotics expert Kevin McAleer. Known for his inventive robotic designs, McAleer’s latest creation is a perfect fit for the eerie holiday. This work-in-progress robot uses a Raspberry Pi Pico (or Arduino Nano as an alternative) and detects people using ultrasonic sensor eyes. When someone approaches, the spider’s arms wiggle open and shut, and LED strips inside the body can change colors to add a spooky effect.
The spider’s arm movement is driven by a clever interlocking cog mechanism, requiring just one servo to control both arms simultaneously. While McAleer has experienced a few malfunctions, like a broken servo holder and cogs slipping out of place, the core design is solid and continues to improve. The structure incorporates 3D-printed parts and laser-cut panels painted black, offering a sleek, eerie finish to the project.
True to his style, McAleer has made the project entirely open-source, sharing the source code written in MicroPython and providing detailed explanations in a YouTube video. For anyone interested in building their own spooky spider robot, McAleer’s video tutorial offers a step-by-step guide, making it a perfect DIY project just in time for Halloween. Check out his channel for more updates and future robotic creations!


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