How to Build a Six-Legged Robot with mBot Add-on Pack
By Robot Kits & Laser Cutters for STEAM Education | Published: 2026-10-29
Category: How-to Guides
Transform your mBot into a walking hexapod robot using the Six-legged Robot 3-in-1 Add-on Pack. Follow these steps to assemble, program, and troubleshoot your six-legged creation.
Quick Answer
Build a six-legged robot by attaching the Six-legged Robot 3-in-1 Add-on Pack to your mBot, assembling the legs in the correct order, and programming the servo movements for walking.
Why the Six-Legged Add-on Pack?
This add-on pack lets you turn your mBot into a walking robot with six legs, offering a hands-on introduction to robot leg mechanisms and hexapod locomotion. It includes parts for three creatures (beetle, mantis, crazy frog) but the leg mechanism is the same for all, teaching basic walking gaits.
What You Need Before Starting
You need a standard mBot (not included in the pack) and a small Phillips-head screwdriver. The pack comes with pre-cut acrylic parts and servo motors. No soldering required.
Step-by-Step Assembly and Programming Guide
- 1. Attach the Main Bracket to mBot: Remove the mBot's wheels and screw the included bracket onto the mBot chassis using the provided screws. Align the bracket's holes with the mBot's mounting points. Do not overtighten the screws; the acrylic bracket can crack.
- 2. Assemble the Six Legs: Snap the acrylic leg pieces together for each of the six legs. Insert the servo horns into the leg joints as shown in the manual. Attach each leg to the main bracket using the small screws. Ensure each leg's servo horn is centered at 90 degrees before attaching the leg, or the robot may not walk straight.
- 3. Connect the Servo Cables: Plug each servo cable into the mBot's expansion ports. The manual shows which port corresponds to which leg. Use the included cable ties to manage the wires. Check the cable orientation; reversing the plug can damage the servo or mBot.
- 4. Upload the Walking Program: Use the mBlock software (desktop or app) to load the pre-written hexapod walking program provided in the add-on pack's tutorial. Connect the mBot via USB or Bluetooth to upload the code. If the robot moves erratically, recheck the leg order and servo angles in the code.
- 5. Test and Adjust the Gait: Place the robot on a flat surface and run the program. Observe if all six legs move in the correct sequence. Adjust the servo angle values in the code if the robot tilts or drags a leg. Test on a non-slip surface first; smooth floors may cause the legs to slip.
Product Details
- Six-legged Robot 3-in-1 Add-on Pack for mBot: Perfectly designed for mBot; you can transform your mBot to beetle, mantis, or crazy frog. This means you get three robot designs from one pack, letting you experiment with different leg configurations and gaits.
Six-legged Robot 3-in-1 Add-on Pack for mBot - Six-legged Robot 3-in-1 Add-on Pack for mBot: Easy to use; the instruction included will teach you how to easily assemble it with mBot within 10 minutes. The quick assembly time makes it ideal for classroom or home STEM projects where you want fast results.
