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Project Matilda - Recreating a Robot Wars Classic (RC Version)
Josh_Napier
Member Posts: 2 ✭
Hi community,
I'm embarking on a new project to recreate the classic Robot Wars veteran, Matilda, as an RC vehicle. Unlike it's original toy counterpart I want to make it function!
My aim is to develop a 1:3 scale replica - making it modular so that it is 3D printer friendly. The design will need to take into consideration access to the integrated electronics for the drive system, flywheel and flipper mechanism. Whilst maintaining her iconic features!
I'm currently looking to utilise the following electronic components:
ESP32 BT - Controller
2 x TB6612 - Motor controller
LM25695 - Voltage regulator
4 Motors - 2 for drive, 2 - flywheel & flipper
Lipo Battery
Utilising a BT game controller.
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Mechanisms
The Flipper
I've investigated many flipper designs - and have found this one to mimic the swift action of the flipper best:
Compressed air is unfortunately not a viable option for this replica. The flipper will not be as powerful as the one in the video. The spring loaded mechanism has the best actuation in comparison to its slower rack n pion counterparts. I would like to integrate a similar spring-loaded cam mechanics into the final product
The Fly Wheel
The fly wheel is much simpler as it will just be direct drive from the motor.
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Your Help
If this sounds like a project you can get your teeth into, I would really appreciate your support, input and guidance. On shape is still fairly new to me and all self taught. My knowledge and skill set is nowhere advance enough to pull this project off to the standard I'm setting myself. The main part I'm struggling with is the iconic "face" feature and tusks. the wider picture though is the whole project.
My progress so far:
I have currently a rather boxy rear shell. The shape is okay but I'm failing to design in how all the parts will connect together whilst still allowing access to the electronics. Size and proportions are still to be determined as i'm yet to confront the main face piece with the integrated flipper and mechanism behind it.
I have tried to uterlise a rather clunky "image to 3D" mesh to aid me but again my skill set on this platform is limited at current. I'm really keen to achieve this project and devlop my own skill set at the same time.
if you're willing to give your time to advice a CAD novice in how to design this project i would truly appreciate your support.
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Bio
My brother was fixated on Robot Wars as a child, with his favourite house robot being Matilda. He always wanted the RC toy - version but finding one at the time was like gold dust! Next year he gets married - as a wedding gift, I would really like to gift him his first love… a working RC Matilda Replica. This is a personal project, but I know there is also an audience that would love to make their own DIY Matilda replica, with your help and guidance i really want to make this vision a reality.
Thank you in anticipation!
Josh