Vorpal Hexapod Fidget Spinner Challenge Game

This is an add-on accessory for the totally awesome Vorpal Combat Hexapod, If you haven't seen that yet, then this thing won't make sense, so visit there first:

• Thing 2513566: Vorpal Combat Hexapod

I made this all open source and respectfully ask you to consider supporting the project. We successfully funded on Kickstarter with hundreds of kits sold, and now we have our own store. We have more than just the Hexapod electronics, we have all kinds of things useful for small robotics and other projects:
Vorpal Robotics Store with Hexapod Kits

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Why do I need this for the Hexapod?

This is a game piece for playing the "Fidget Spinner Challenge" game, played with one or more Vorpal Combat Hexapods.

Fidget Spinner Challenge Video

This is a bracket used to hold a Fidget Spinner at a good height for the robot to manipulate.

For complete game rules see the Games and Activities Page on our website.

This is a basic activity to get students used to the controls and to think about what leg motions might work best to solve the problem. There are many different ways to get the fidget spinner going.

HINT: Using "tiny step mode" is great for getting into just the right spot, but since this is a timed event, you would probably want to use a faster walk mode to get close, then only use tiny step mode at the end. This gets students used to switching back and forth between modes to solve problems.

HINT: The video shows the technique of using "fight mode" to turn the spinner, however, there are far easier ways. Experiment!

Using it For The Fidget Spinner Challenge Activity

You need to tape the Fidget Spinner Holder to the floor or table top using masking tape, duct tape, gaffer tape, etc.

Remove the plastic disk from the center of the spinner (just one side, not both). This is quite easy to do either with fingernails or a flat head screwdriver. Don't lose the extra piece though.

Press a fidget spinner into the top of the bracket (with the side you removed the piece from down). It will be reasonably stable, but can be knocked off, that's part of the game. The bracket is for a standard size spinner, if you've got a different size you may need to use double sided tape or modify the design.

Students start with Vorpal two feet away (mark the starting area to be fair). Another person times how long it takes for them to walk over and get the spinner going. You may want to have a referee who only accepts a fast enough spin (i.e. so fast that it's a blur). The person who achieves this in the shortest time wins.

Knocking the spinner off the holder results in a time penalty. Be careful!

Confessions of a Robot Designer

I originally created this totally as a joke. But I demonstrated it at two events, including Maker Faire NY, and it was a smash hit. You should see the look on kids' faces as they try to make the fidget spinner turn using the robot and gamepad (which they just got their hands about a minute earlier). I mean, they are focused! And when they get it going fast, they just light up like it was their birthday.

So, simple idea, but worked!