Goals: Create the robot, Orbitron that can ROLL, ROLL, ROLL
Why Buy: Orbitron can be used for safe transportation, warzone recovery, and complex terrain exploration
About Orbitron
Our Vision: We envision a world where robotics inspired by nature's ingenuity enhance humanity's ability to overcome environmental, industrial, and humanitarian challenges. Orbitron will lead the frontier of adaptive robotics, seamlessly navigating complex terrains to serve and protect people across the globe.
Our Mission: To design and deploy highly agile, soft-jointed robotic systems that redefine mobility in hazardous and inaccessible environments. By prioritizing safety, versatility, and real-world application, we aim to provide innovative solutions for material transport, emergency rescue, and respectful recovery operations.
Our Values: We are driven by empathy, innovation, and resilience. Every function of Orbitron is informed by a commitment to protect lives, honor human dignity, and create tools that harmonize with rather than dominate their environment. We believe in pushing boundaries while staying grounded in purpose.
Sustainable Goals: Orbitron is constructed using advanced 3D-printed components, enabling efficient, on-demand production with reduced material waste. This approach not only minimizes our environmental footprint but also allows for rapid customization and repair, extending each unit's lifespan. By replacing conventional heavy machinery with lightweight, energy-efficient alternatives, we support sustainable practices in construction, rescue missions, and exploration of delicate environments.
Project Proposal
1. Leg‑Module Design & Actuation
- • Modular leg assemblies with two degrees of freedom (coxa and femur joints)
- • Driven by micro‑servos (MG90S) and standard servos (MG996R)
- • Fold‑into‑ball "roll" capability via coordinated leg retraction
2. Locomotion & Control Software
- • Gait‑generation algorithms (alternating tripod and ripple gaits)
- • Real‑time stability control using IMU/gyroscope feedback
- • Self‑righting routine for automatic recovery
3. Sensing & Perception
- • Ultrasonic sensors for long‑range obstacle detection (up to 4 m)
- • IR proximity/line‑following sensors for terrain mapping
- • Onboard camera module for video streaming
- • Photocell with NeoPixel status ring for feedback
4. Power & Electronics
- • 6 V Li‑ion battery pack with voltage regulation
- • PCA9685 16‑channel PWM driver
- • NRF24L01 2.4 GHz wireless transceiver
- • SD‑card for data and video storage
5. Communication & Interface
- • Custom Arduino firmware for command processing
- • NRF24L01 for command link and telemetry
- • Wi‑Fi module for video streaming
- • LED matrix/NeoPixel ring for status indication
Meet Our Team
We are a team of forward-thinking engineers, designers, and visionaries passionate about blending nature's brilliance with modern robotics. Inspired by the agility and adaptability of spiders, our soft-jointed Orbitron is engineered to navigate where conventional machines cannot. Whether it's transporting materials across hazardous work sites, retrieving individuals from disaster zones, or exploring treacherous, uncharted landscapes, Orbitron is designed to serve with precision, care, and resilience. Sustainability is at our core—we champion efficient, eco-conscious production methods to shape a safer, more accessible world for all.
Ye Gao
Designer of the website, mostly focus on helping Richard in the beginning with printing, built this website in a rush not my best work.
Jia Xin Li
Energizes the project—literally. With a sharp grasp of circuits and systems, she powers Orbitron's functionality and resilience.
Vanessa Ting
Focuses on software development, specializing in integrating wireless chips and ensuring seamless communication between Orbitron's components.
Richard Xu
The hands-on architect of the team, transforming ideas into reality with precision engineering and a builder's instinct for problem-solving.
Allen Zheng
Captures the journey—documenting every breakthrough and setback through detailed records and powerful visuals that bring our innovation to life.
Project Timeline
May 27 - 28
The first two days were primarily dedicated to organizational tasks. During this time, roles were assigned to ensure that each group member had a clear responsibility. These initial days were also utilized to begin drafting our summative documents and laying the groundwork for the final report.
May 29 - June 4
After completing all preparatory and organizational tasks, our group promptly began working on our assigned responsibilities. Ye Gao, Richard, and Jia Xin efficiently initiated the 3D modelling of our product to ensure it would be ready for printing on time. In addition, Jia Xin worked silently in the background on the development of our website, while Richard and Ye Gao went above and beyond by dedicating their personal time, often working overtime, to ensure that our final product would meet the highest standards. As Ye Gao, Jia Xin and Richard are working on modelling our product, Vanessa worked in the background by quietly practicing her building and crafting skills as Ye Gao, voluntarily, printed what looked like a claw, which was assembled hastily by Vanessa.
June 5 - June 6
The model was finally ready to be printed. Despite being short one person on Thursday, Jia Xin and Ye Gao wasted no time and immediately began assisting Vanessa with the build. Although Richard was absent, Vanessa continued working diligently on assembling our product. Meanwhile, Ye Gao and Richard focused on modeling the frame, and Jia Xin tirelessly worked on designing our website. Everyone remained committed to ensuring we met our goal of completing the product by Thursday of Week 3.
Built by your best team! Ye, Jay, Vanessa, Richard, Allen