Started around a big walker concept with just over a 1 metre leg span.
Combat robot
Long-running build
Redback
Redback started as my full-size spider combat robot idea. A lot of the build went into the custom compressor, the pneumatic setup, and getting the whole thing moving well enough to compete.
Build at a glance
What shaped Redback
The main turning points and the parts that gave the build its own character.
A lot of the build time went into the custom compressor and pneumatic setup.
By the end it was a full eight-legged combat robot heading toward competition.
Timeline
Story of Redback
The longer version of the build, milestone by milestone — each one with the notes, photos, and video from that stage.
May 30, 2020
01
Redback starts
This was where it started turning into a proper build. I was working from the leg design I already had and shaping it into a full-scale spider robot for Robot Havoc.
June 22, 2020
02
First signs of life
Got the first movement out of it. Long long long long way to go, but it was alive.
June 27, 2020
03
Onboard air idea
This was when the brushless mini compressor idea started becoming a big part of the build. Walking was only part of it now, next step was getting the full air system working.
June 28, 2020
04
CNC parts
Started cutting more parts for Redback on the CNC. Think I'm getting a little better at running the CNC.
July 12, 2020
05
Lighter compressor test
This setup went better than expected. It was about 800 grams lighter than the ARB one and put out more air than I expected.
August 2, 2020
06
Close to full leg test
Just needed to finish off the electronics and programming, then do a full 8 leg test.
August 10, 2020
07
Belt issue
Found another problem in testing. The belt started going gummy, so it was back into fixing things again.
August 23, 2020
08
First programmed test
First programmed moment. The onboard compressor was under repair so it was running off the shed compressor.
September 12, 2020
09
Cutting more parts
Cutting some parts for the spider bot.
October 17, 2020
10
It walks
Got Redback walking. Still more work to do, but it was moving.
November 1, 2020
11
RC control test
Got it onto RC control. Still needs work, but that was the next step.
May 23, 2021
12
Compressor work
Been working on the compressor for the spider bot. Still a lot of build time going into that part of the system.
May 31, 2021
13
More compressor parts
Another small compressor update. Still working through the hardware and test changes.
June 5, 2021
14
Cam test problem
This test didn't go well. Speed was all over the place, so it looked like I needed to make the more complicated cam shaft.
June 12, 2021
15
New cam test
Another version of the cam made and tested. Happy with this one, now the compressor heads needed spacers so the piston stopped hitting them.
June 13, 2021
16
Lower KV motor test
Tried a lower KV motor and got about 80 psi before the VESC started overheating and throttling the compressor. Still more sorting to do.
June 21, 2021
17
New base plate
New base plate for Redback.
June 27 to July 1, 2021
18
Starting to take shape
Made up more parts, bushings, rods, and plates and started pulling it together. Redback was starting to take shape.
October 12, 2021
19
Still coming along
Spider robot is still coming along.
June 19, 2022
20
Got the cover made
Got a cover made for my spider robot.
July 3, 2022
21
Got the eyes on
Spider robot has eyes. Hopefully it will walk soon and have its chainsaw fangs installed.
July 11, 2022
22
Compressor running again
Getting the compressor up and running again.
July 19, 2022
23
Alive again
It's alive, well sort of. A lot more work needed to be done, but it was moving forward.
July 28, 2022
24
Motor problem
Well this isn't good. The compressor motor stopped working and I needed a spare fast before Robot Havoc.
August 3, 2022
25
Nearly ready
The compressor was back up and running and the spider was almost done and ready for the weekend.
August 6, 2022
26
Robot Havoc 5 — Day 1
First day at Robot Havoc 5 at the Adelaide Showground. Two fights on the day — Redback got into the arena and showed what a 27kg walking robot with a full pneumatic system can do.
Watch on YouTube — Maker's Muse
August 7, 2022
27
Robot Havoc 5 — Day 2
Day 2 at Robot Havoc 5. One final match, then the all-in rumble to close out the event. Team Panic included a clip of Redback and called it a beautiful machine.
Watch on YouTube — Team Panic
May 13, 2026
28
Still around
Redback is still sitting in the workshop. One day it'll be back.
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