After over one month, I work out the second generation prototype of HeX. 

1. trimmed down the size:

the diameter of the first generation is 100 centimeters. this one's is 70 centimeters

2. the modular design goes like this:

zoom-in details for electronic and mechanical connections between dynamic units and the centerpiece

3. the body frame of the second generation is made by a CNC, a laser cutting and a 3D printer for different parts rather than almost all printed by a 3D printer like what we did to the first generation. By doing so the cost of materials has been reduced to 40% of the first generation.

more pictures of the second generation prototype of HeX

We hope this kind of design could get rid of the traditional way of manufacturing in a factory. Individuals can download the CAD files of our designing and produce their own parts and assemble a HeX in a makerspace or on their desktops. Pros can modify the design and customize one as well. This is inspired by these:

 

Views: 1083

Tags: 3D, Air, Drone, HeX, Robot, printing


Developer
Comment by Sandro Benigno on January 15, 2013 at 8:20am

How to define the design in one word: Batman. =)
It could be easily the Wayne's new toy. He would be driving his Batcycle and the drone scanning the surrounding while tracking him by the "follow-me" resource.

Comment by Ralph Wu on January 15, 2013 at 10:47am

Good idea of desktop manufacturing.

Comment by Scott Berfield on January 15, 2013 at 11:35am

That's some beautiful work.

Comment by diego colonnello on January 15, 2013 at 4:30pm

impresive looks my friend....

Comment by Hex Air Robot on January 15, 2013 at 11:38pm

Thank you all, guys.  your comments are very encouraging. 

Comment by Erik Unger on January 18, 2013 at 9:21am

Wow, loving it :)

Comment by Adam Broadbent on January 18, 2013 at 10:12am

Hexagons for hexa copter. Brilliant! And the manufacturing approach is wonderful. Great work!

Comment by Austin Chapman on January 18, 2013 at 9:13pm

Marvelous! One of the best designs I've ever seen.

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