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How to Build a LEGO Robot With Bionicle Connectors

Building a robot out of LEGO pieces is made simpler using the ball joint connectors, commonly found in the LEGO Bionicle series. These connectors are posable and hold the robot-like characters in the Bionicle universe in whatever position you place them. If you want to automate one of these joints in a robot using Bionicle connectors, you need to change your thinking about the parts slightly. Whatever kind of robot you are using, these are parts you can use on any joint that needs to stay rigid.

Things You'll Need

Bionicle sets
Assorted Technic rods, pins, connectors, spacers and pieces
Technic gears

Instructions

- 1
  Assemble the joint out of Bionicle connectors.
- 2
  Attach a rod-ended Technic pin to the moving Bionicle part on the joint.
- 3
  Insert a rod into a gear and attach the rod to the stationary part of the Bionicle joint. Keep the rod in place using a spacer or washer. Attach a Technic beam to the end of the rod as well. This becomes the moving arm for this joint.
- 4
  Connect the moving Technic pin to the moving arm using another Technic beam and a pin to join them. When you turn the gear on the body, the moving arm should push or pull the Bionicle joint.
- 5
  Connect the joint to your robot. Mesh the gear with powered gear -- one connected to a motor or servo -- to automate the motion of this joint.
- 6
  Repeat for the other moving Bionicle joints you wish to attach to your robot.

Construction Toys