The Four-Foot Spider Robot project focused on creating a complete 3D CAD model of a quadruped robot. I worked with a company in Shanghai to design the full mechanical structure in SolidWorks, building each part accurately and documenting the assembly with technical drawings.

This design uses a 12 degree-of-freedom (DOF) system, with three joints on each leg. This setup would allow the robot to perform movements like walking, turning, and adapting to uneven ground if built in real life. The mechanical layout is inspired by spider-like motion, with attention to stability, weight balance, and efficient structure in the CAD model.

Explore the full CAD design process of the Four-Foot Spider Robot—from early concept sketches to detailed part modeling and final technical documentation.

🤖 Robot Design & CAD Models

Interactive 3D gallery showcasing the mechanical design and detailed component modeling.

🔧 Mechanical Design & CAD Engineering

Developed the full mechanical layout and 3D CAD struture of the quadruped robot.

• Developed the full 3D CAD assembly in SolidWorks, including all body and leg components.
• Designed a 12-DOF leg system with defined joint limits and stable kinematic configuration.
• Optimized structural strength and weight through iterative design updates and motion studies.
• Performed interference checks and ensured proper clearances across all moving joints.

📐 Technical Documentation & Manufacturing Readiness

Produced complete engineering documentation and prepared the design for fabrication.

• Created detailed engineering drawings with dimensions, tolerances, and GD&T requirements.
• Developed clear assembly documentation, including exploded views and part relationships.
• Prepared material specifications and bill of materials for potential fabrication.
• Evaluated manufacturability for 3D printing, including print orientation and tolerance stack-up.

🔬 Kinematic Analysis & MATLAB Simulation

Developed and validated the robot’s motion algorithms using MATLAB simulation tools.

• Built a geometric inverse kinematics solver in MATLAB within 0.01 mm accuracy.
• Generated a 3D workspace map using 12,500+ sample configurations across joint ranges.
• Programmed a tripod gait trajectory (50 mm stride, 35 mm step height) within all joint limits.
• Validated motion using forward kinematics and real-time animation of foot paths and joint angles.

From concept sketches to fully detailed CAD model - here's how this project developed my mechanical design expertise