This little robots mechanical principle is based on a traditional toy that lets the robot climb up the string if you pull on it. Check this youtube video for the robot in action and watch it being assembled.

As a modular print it is a nice project for newcomers to 3D printing as it allows to play with settings from part to part. If a print should fail only little time and material is wasted. Overall the print does not pose any hard printing challenges.

Last but not least it is also a great way to recycle your filament leftovers and make a really colorful bot.

Get "Climbing Robot" Merch.

Climbing Robot Accessories contains a hat and a backpack for the robot.


Happy printing, and don't forget to post your makes.

Parts List

Besides the printed parts you will need an elastic band and a string. I used a elastic band as commonly available for textile work. A normal rubber band might work too but is probably not as long lasting. In any case the band can't be wider than 5mm (0.19 in) and thicker than 1mm (0.04 in). Not everything will work for the string as the correct amount of friction in the robots "hand" is crucial for the climbing action to work. The model is optimised for a ca. 3mm (0.1 in) or a ca. 2mm string. There are two versions of the clamp available for download. From my experience a coreless braided string works best.

Revisions

22/01/2019: Added a clamp for ca. 2mm diameter string. 23/01/2019: Fixed clamp STL files orientation

Printing

The model is optimised for printing with a 0.4mm nozzle. The sloped surfaces look best with a 0.2 layer height but larger layer height wont be a problem. Most of the models parts are optimised for printing without support and are all oriented correctly in the STL file for optimal printing.