Tamiya 71103 Mechanical Beetle Gear-Driven Walking Kit  [71103]

Tamiya 71103 Mechanical Beetle - Gear-Driven Obstacle Model

The Tamiya 71103 Mechanical Beetle is a compact educational robot that introduces basic engineering concepts. This STEM kit highlights how gears, linkages, and a small motor combine to create movement and autonomous obstacle avoidance.

Mechanics and Visual Design

The beetle walks on a four-leg mechanism while its horn swings with each step, giving a lifelike movement pattern. When an obstruction is met, the internal mechanism alters the heading so the robot can bypass the object. Transparent parts provide an easy view of the internal drive system.

Construction and Kit Contents

Assembly is designed to be straightforward with a combination of screws and snap-fit components. Wires come with marked ends for easier connection. The kit supplies two gearbox ratios for either slower torque-rich movement or faster stride, plus a switch to run in reverse.

Recommended Use

Best performance is achieved on flat, even surfaces. Using boundary walls helps show off the beetle's evasion routine. Avoid uneven or inclined surfaces to prevent reduced walking efficiency.