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The SMARS Spider Mod is a DIY, 3D-printed quadruped robot—not a complete, ready-to-run retail kit. Dmitry Maslov’s August 23, 2024 Hackster tutorial builds it around an Arduino Nano RP2040 Connect, eight SG90 servos and custom printed parts, then offers two alternative control sketches: Wi-Fi phone control or voice commands.
The project is suited to makers who can print or source the parts and handle basic wiring and soldering. The power setup has an important requirement: adjust and measure the step-down module to exactly 5V before connecting it to the expansion board.
What the SMARS Spider Mod is
SMARS is an educational, modular robotics project. This spider-style modification replaces the familiar wheeled form with a legged quad design. Maslov’s tutorial supplies instructions for this specific build and its electronics; it should not be confused with a boxed robot kit or with other SMARS builds that use different controllers and movement systems.
The broader SMARS project repository describes the base system as “Screwless Modular Assemblable Robotic System” and includes resources for related robot versions. Maslov’s spider build makes its own choices for the frame, power, controller and control software.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Rich Motion Modes】It is equipped with 8 MG90 servos to support multi-degree-of-freedom flexible movement. It features 6 adjustable walking postures and 9 built-in preset stunt actions.
- 【Intelligent Control System】WiFi mobile phone remote control, infrared physical remote control and ultrasonic sensor automatic obstacle avoidance. Switch control modes freely according to usage scenarios.
- 【Safe & stable circuit】The expansion board supports direct charging for convenient power supply. Built-in reverse connection protection circuit, safety fuse and large-capacity filter capacitor effectively avoid circuit damage caused by misoperation and voltage fluctuation.
- 【Complete STEM Learning】Comes with systematic step-by-step learning tutorials. The open-source program and modular hardware structure lower the learning threshold perfectly for beginners to grasp robotic development knowledge efficiently.
- 【Wide Application 】Suitable for STEM classroom teaching, school tech exhibitions, university laboratory research, maker creation competitions and daily electronic DIY projects, meeting learning, demonstration and scientific research demands all in one kit.
Parts, tools and printing needed
Core electronics
- Arduino Nano RP2040 Connect and an I/O expansion board: the main controller setup in the tutorial.
- Eight SG90 servos for the legged mechanism.
- A 3A step-down power module, two 18650 cells, a switch and power connectors.
- Optional HC-SR04 ultrasonic ranging module and corresponding printed mounts.
Printed parts and workshop tools
The design uses custom printed pieces, including the quad frame, chassis, feet, servo cases and arms, battery cover, and power-supply holder. The author reports printing with ABS+ and says PLA is an alternative, though potentially more brittle; this is the author’s guidance, not a comparative material test. Parts are described as small enough for a small desktop printer.
The tutorial also lists a soldering iron for the power-supply wiring, plus a glue gun, small pliers, screwdriver and wires. Plan to print or otherwise obtain the project-specific parts before assembly; the tutorial does not present a complete retail package.
Rank #2
- Easy for Beginner: Designed for children ages 12 and up, this ACEBOTT cool spider robot features ESP8266 motherboard controls and customized rudder, making programming easy to learn. With a paper user manual and 8 comprehensive lessons, children are systematically guided to master programming and electronic hardware principles, fostering hands-on ability and innovative thinking. It is also equipped with electronic tutorial+PPT format, can also be used for teaching in schools and institutions.
- Dynamic Performance: For Science Toy DIY Robot, you can bring the spider to life with 6 movement modes and 9 preset actions, which can show a dazzling array of vivid and fascinating movements.
- Unbox, Assembly, and Happy Play: ACEBOTT robot spider uses uniform screws for easy installation and use. Equipped with MG90 metal servo to ensure stable movement and durability of the robot. This V2 smart robotics science kit contains a paper user manual on how to assemble Kit from scratch and pre-burned necessary program. You can enjoy the joy of the car after assemblying without having to download any electronic tutorial.
- Extended Playtime: ACEBOTT robotics kit adopts Type-C direct charging and high-capacity rechargeable design, no need for frequent charging, you can enjoy uninterrupted play and long-lasting performance. Note that the ACEBOTT Spider Robot needs a Flat Top battery(NOT INCLUDED)
- Intelligent Interaction: Seamlessly integrated with ACEBOTT App control function, kids can remotely control the robot's movement and actions, unlocking endless possibilities for exploration and enjoyment. The spider robot building kit is a perfect Christmas, New Year gifts for boys, girls, teenagers, programming enthusiasts and adults.
Choose the controller and control method
The featured Nano RP2040 Connect path is the tutorial’s voice-capable implementation. Its Wi-Fi and voice options are separate firmware sketches, not simultaneous modes described by the tutorial.
| Path | Controller and control | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Featured spider build | Arduino Nano RP2040 Connect; Wi-Fi phone-app sketch or voice sketch | The tutorial’s principal implementation, with the two controls offered as alternatives. |
| Video-streaming alternative | RP2040 board with ESP32-CAM | The tutorial mentions this as an option for video streaming without voice control. |
| Lower-cost alternative | ESP32-WROOM-32S with an expansion board | The tutorial describes this as a cheaper option, also without voice control. |
These alternatives are not equivalent drop-in instructions for the Nano build. The tutorial’s wiring and firmware focus on the Nano RP2040 Connect. A separate Wi-Fi-enabled wheeled SMARS project uses a WEMOS D1 mini and MX1508 motor driver, with browser control and optional obstacle avoidance. Those choices belong to that distinct wheeled adaptation, not this spider tutorial.
Rank #3
- BEGINNER-FRIENDLY CODING - Perfect for ages 10+! Master programming logic & hardware principles systematically with 8 step-by-step lessons. A paper user manual makes learning intuitive and fully sparking creativity through hands-on building. It also offers educational feature, combining engineering, mechanics, and robotics elements, equipped with electronic tutorial+PPT format, can be for teaching in schools and institutions. Note: No Standalone batteries are sold with the product.
- DYNAMIC MOVES & COOL ACTIONS - This cool spider robot build kit is an easy-to-use starter kit, features an ESP8266 motherboard & custom servos, brings your DIY science robot to life! Enjoy 6 movement modes and 9 preset dazzling actions – watch your spider bot perform captivating, lifelike maneuvers for endless entertainment.
- EFFORTLESS ASSEMBLY, DURABLE BUILD - Hassle-free construction! Uniform screws simplify installation. Powered by rugged MG90 metal gear servos for smooth movement and long-lasting durability
- EXTENDED PLAY, EASY CHARGING - Play longer, charge less! Designed for long-lasting performance, this robot features Type-C direct charging and a high-capacity rechargeable design (a Battery Required, Not Included), minimizing downtime for uninterrupted fun.
- SMART APP CONTROL & PERFECT GIFT - Command your spider remotely via the ACEBOTT App & Wi-Fi Control! Unlock interactive exploration, hands-on experience. This V2 smart robotics science kit contains a paper user manual on how to assemble Kit from scratch and pre-burned necessary program. You can enjoy the joy of the car after assemblying without having to download any electronic tutorial. It is an ultimate STEM gift for kids, teens, and adults.
Assemble and power the robot safely
The tutorial’s power arrangement connects two 18650 cells in series to a DC-DC step-down module. Because the module’s output must be set before it reaches the expansion board, do not connect it first and assume it is correctly adjusted.
- Assemble the battery and step-down-module wiring according to the tutorial’s power-supply instructions, using appropriate care with soldering and polarity.
- Use a multimeter to adjust and verify the step-down output at exactly 5V.
- Only after measuring that 5V output, connect the power supply to the expansion board as directed by the tutorial.
This is a wiring-heavy part of the project. If you are not comfortable working with battery packs, soldering, polarity and voltage measurement, get help from someone with relevant electronics experience rather than improvising connections.
Rank #4
- Encourages Early Creativity - Designed for children ages 10 and up, this ACEBOTT cool spider robot build kit is an easy-to-use starter kit, features ESP8266 motherboard controls and customized rudder, also offers educational features, combining engineering, mechanics, and robotics elements, to fully engage with the toy and unwrap creativity.
- Flexible DIY Robotics Kit - Action Design Develops Innovative Thinking. APP Remote -control the journey, create the fun. Adorable ACEBOTT APP interface can better improve children's interest to begin his own design, you can bring the spider to life with 6 movement modes and 9 preset actions, and full of technology.
- STEAM Educational Robot Toy - APP Programming Learning Develops a Smart Brain. Graphical design coding actions using programming to boost losic skills (Compatible with Arduino IDE). Through 8 comprehensive courses, learning code and electronic hardware principles faster and easier than ever. Build, play, beginner coding with endless possibilities.
- Easy to Assemble - Using unified model screw splicing, installation and use are a breeze. A PDF tutorial with illustrations is considerately prepared for you, which teaches you to build your quadruped robot step by step. Structure building can exercise children's hands-on ability and cultivate children's interests and hobbies.
- STEM Fun for the Whole Family - Perfect for kids to assemble independently or with family, turning the building process into a fun, shared experience. The ideal way to enhance motor skills and family bonding. Experience long-lasting adventures with a durable, rechargeable battery. Just insert the Type-C cable into the power library to charge. Note: A battery (flat top) is needed but not included, you need to buy it separately.
Set up Wi-Fi phone control
For Wi-Fi control, upload the tutorial’s Wi-Fi sketch. The robot creates its own network named smars_spider; connect a mobile device to that network and control the robot using the Arduino Car app. This is local access through the robot’s access point, not a claim that the robot is connected to a home network or the internet.
Set up voice control
The voice option uses a keyword-spotting model from Edge Impulse. The tutorial’s sequence is to download its public model or create a model, deploy it as an Arduino library, install that library, and upload the voice sketch. The documented commands are “forward,” “backward,” “left” and “right.”
Best Value
- 【All-in-One Kit with Major Upgrades】 This ultimate robotics kit features a premium metal body for superior durability, an integrated IR remote for instant play, and a 0.96" OLED screen for real-time status feedback. The control board now includes a USB-C charging port and built-in RGB LEDs, offering unmatched value and an enhanced user experience right out of the box.
- 【Triple Control Modes: IR, WiFi, Python GUI】 Enjoy versatile control! Use the included IR Remote for quick, out-of-the-box fun. Connect via WiFi to control with the Android APP for advanced maneuvers, or use the PC Python GUI for deep customization, programming, and learning, perfect for both beginners and coding enthusiasts.
- 【Smart Board with Integrated Charging】 The upgraded mainboard simplifies power management with built-in charging circuitry. Just plug in a USB-C cable to safely charge the 2x18650 batteries (not included). The onboard OLED display shows IP address, battery voltage, and mode, making setup and troubleshooting intuitive.
- 【Top STEM Learning & Educational Gift】 Based on open-source Arduino, this kit is a complete STEAM platform. Learn robotics, mechanics, electronics, and programming through hands-on assembly and coding. Perfect for makers, and hobbyists interested in AI, technology, and engineering.
- 【Easy Assembly with Detailed Tutorials】 We provide a newly rewritten, step-by-step PDF manual with clear instructions and illustrations. Everything you need is included: Control board, metal parts, servos, sensors, IR remote, OLED screen, and tools.
The tutorial presents voice and Wi-Fi as alternative sketches. To switch control methods, use the corresponding firmware path rather than expecting both controls to operate at once.
What this build does—and does not—establish
Maslov’s Hackster project page labels the tutorial beginner-level and provides construction guidance, but that label is the author’s classification, not an independent assessment of difficulty. The project instructions establish the listed components and control approaches; they do not provide independent performance testing, battery runtime, current pricing or a guarantee of compatibility with every part sold under the same component names.
The key decision is whether you want the tutorial’s custom printed, servo-driven spider form and can take on its assembly and power wiring. If you mainly want a Wi-Fi SMARS, remember that other projects use wheeled bodies and different electronics, so their instructions do not substitute for this build.
Quick Recap
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