Chalmers University of Technology bachelor students built a walking robot inspired by TARS from Interstellar. Its crank-shaft mechanism lifts and rotates the outer blocks to create a tripod-like gait. The prototype can walk without its planned feedback controller, but it is wobbly.
What the students set out to build
The project was a real, walking model inspired by TARS, the obelisk-like robot in Interstellar. The students focused on reproducing its distinctive gait; they did not attempt the fictional robot’s transforming or conversational abilities. The project was part of bachelor studies at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden, as reported by Make on May 31, 2018.
How the TARS-inspired robot walks
The robot’s outer blocks connect to inner blocks through a crank shaft. As the shaft turns, it lifts and rotates the outer blocks, producing the motion needed for the robot to walk. The team modeled the mechanism in SimMechanics before building it. In the project team’s reproduced explanation, the simulation showed how the mechanism would work.
What went into building it
Motors and mechanical parts
The students used DC motors. The crank shaft’s ball-bearing mount required especially precise construction: the team described making it as the toughest part of the build. They turned an aluminum cylinder on a lathe, with assistance, to make the mount.
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Walking without stabilization
The team simulated a stability feedback controller in Simulink but did not implement it on the robot. The prototype therefore walked without that control system and was “a bit wobbly,” according to the project account. The reported result shows that it could walk, not that it was stable or autonomous.
What the students would improve
The team identified two changes for a revised build:
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- Use stepper motors: They proposed replacing the DC motors to control motor position more precisely.
- Implement feedback control: They wanted to put the simulated stability controller on the robot to improve its walking performance.
These were proposed upgrades, not features of the reported prototype.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to plan for in a similar build
The project offers a practical starting point for anyone aiming to build a walking robot with a similar gait. The main challenges are linked: crank motion must lift and rotate the outer sections, the shaft and bearings need accurate alignment, and the controller must manage balance during movement.
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- Mechanism: Model the crank-driven lift-and-rotate motion before fabricating parts.
- Precision: Treat the bearing mount and crank alignment as critical fabrication tasks; the students singled out the mount as their hardest challenge.
- Actuation: Decide whether DC motors suit the required motion or whether the more precise position control sought by the students justifies stepper motors.
- Control: Distinguish a prototype that can walk without feedback from one stabilized by an implemented controller.
- Fabrication: Account for custom metalwork, including lathe work for an aluminum part, if following the reported design closely.
The project account does not provide dimensions, a parts list, motor specifications, or build instructions, so it is a design reference rather than a complete set of plans.
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