Engineers Create Robot Spider That Anyone Can Reprogram

When it comes to the field of robotics, it’s just a fact that engineers of every firm and agency are competing to create the best examples of machine intelligence and movement available. However, there is a company that aims to give the reins over to the masses by allowing them to reprogram a robot spider called HEXA.

Not exactly the eight-legged, hairy monstrosity that people might be imagining, HEXA is a six-legged mini machine. It does move much like a crab or a spider, though, so there’s that to consider. In any case, what the company called Vincross, which created the robot wants to achieve is advance the field by basically making HEXA similar to open source, Futurism reports.

Measuring just 12 centimeters in height and 50.8 centimeters in diameter, it’s a small robot. This is deliberate, as HEXA is intended to be portable and easy to use. According to the company’s website, the engineers designed the robot to be incredibly versatile.

“A robot shouldn't just roll through life on its two front wheels. In order for a robot to be truly useful, it must be highly maneuverable and versatile in the functions it can perform. It must be able to climb stairs, crawl and explore new terrain. It needs to be open and programmable, smart, sensing and bold,” the site reads.

“Meet HEXA, a six-legged, agile, highly adaptable robot that's got more gusto than you can imagine. HEXA delivers you with the ideal hardware platform to learn and explore robotics. Start creating the robot functionality you've always envisioned.”

By default, the robot already comes with a variety of sensors and programs in order to move around proficiently. It can get over most obstacles, can climb stairs independently, and is quite responsive to commands, WIRED notes. However, HEXA can be a whole lot smarter than it is right now, which is exactly why the company is encouraging customers to tinker with its programming.