UGears: Hexapod Explorer

Your cat is going to love/hate us for this one! Are you ready for the coolest crawler available anywhere on the model market? Introducing the Ugears Hexapod Explorer: part insect, part robot, part extraterrestrial rover. Driven by a powerful spring motor, the Hexapod Explorer model can walk up to 3 meters on its legs, without the need of an auxiliary or supporting wheel like other models have. The ability to bear its weight, on the legs alone, allows the Hexapod Explorer to navigate slightly rough terrain, like a planetary rover stepping out of the capsule to explore new worlds. Another amazing feature that makes our walker unique is that the Hexapod Explorer comes with a variable speed dial. You can make your Robo-bug creep, crawl, or skitter at any speed you want! When the Hexapod stops walking, pick it up and watch the legs come to life and flail about, just like a real insect, crab or spider would do. It's the stuff of nightmares, or a mechanical model maker's dreams, depending on one's perspective!

The Hexapod Explorer wooden model kit has 388 pieces and features a strong metal spring that powers the robot's walking action, and rubber band foot pads for better traction on smooth surfaces. This DIY model is rated Medium level with an assembly time of approximately 8 hours. The internal spring is wound with a ratchet key located on the belly. With a ratchet mechanism, you don't have to hold the key while winding to prevent slippage - potential energy is stored with each twist, without slippage, until the spring is fully loaded. The Hexapod Explorer can traverse rough surfaces and even step over obstacles of 1-2 cm. Crank the model up, set it down, choose the desired speed using the dial on the Hexapod's head, then release the "go" switch at the rear to set the model in motion. You can change speeds at any time, either mid-run or on the next go.

Let's face it, the six-legged, hard-shelled beetle is a winning design, and so is the Ugears Hexapod Explorer. In fact, the Hexapod's movements are so lifelike you might be tempted to play a practical joke on an unsuspecting friend by asking them to pick up your resting but partly wound-up Hexapod (set on high-speed skitter mode for maximum scare effect). Our advice: Don't do it! Not unless you want to be picking up the pieces after your Hexapod Explorer is dropped to the ground or flung against the nearest wall by your startled friend. Our advice is the same for cats - cats and Hexapods are an unstable mixture, so keep them apart! That is unless you think eight hours of build time is totally worth it for a viral video of your cat pouncing on and dismembering your Ugears Hexapod Explorer - you'll have to decide for yourself!

The Ugears Hexapod Explorer is a unique gift idea for friends or family members who love nature, insects, robots, model building, DIY projects, puzzles, or for anyone who appreciates outstanding mechanical and aesthetic design.

Model Size: 10.6 x 8.7 x 3.7 in
Package size: 14.9 x 6.7 x 1.1 in
Number of parts: 388
Level: Intermediate
Assembly Time: 8 hours
Recommended Age: 14+
Kit weight: 1.56 lbs

Manufacturer: UGears

Not Returnable if parts are punched out.