Suitcase Manifesto

This robot was inspired by hermit crabs and similar creatures which will inhabit any protective shell that currently fits its body. Once switched on, the legs of the creature slowly flex and gently pull the body forward. Inner legs and outer legs work together in alternating pairs.

Here you can see a detail of the finger joints—each appendage has a larger version of the finger joint's drive wheel inside the suitcase which acts as an arm joint's drive wheel. The drive wheels are powered by surplus rotary microwave motors which are slow but relatively powerful. The skeletal structure is composed entirely of wooden dowels to give the creature a softer, more organic, and low-tech appearance.

The robot was designed and built in such a way that it could be easily deconstructed and tucked back completely into its suitcase. For a leisurely morning stroll with the creature, portable power can be carried in the matching shoulder bag.