First Project

So I'm thinking that for my first project, what I'd like to do is create a Hexapod.  They have the wonderful property of being extremely stable, this alleviates a lot of potential problems for my first go.  The largest downside I can foresee is their complexity.  With 2 servos per leg, and 6 legs, it will be a challenging first.

My thought is to create a bot that I can skin to look like a Warhammer 40k Chaos Space Marine Defiler.

(image from http://www.games-workshop.com)

I think I can do this by sticking to some fairly small Servos and using an actual Defiler model as the structure.  I'd like to be able to walk it around a Warhammer game table and aim it's turrets.  To control it, I'd like to use a Sony Dualshock 3 Wireless Controller.  Having the ability easily control the bot is pretty essential.  Failing this I'd like to be able to control the bot via my android phone.  Either way the method of wireless communication is going to be Bluetooth.

I spent some time doing some research today and I believe that I'd like to use an Arduino as the micro-controller.  More specifically the Arduino Fio seems to be a good choice as it has USB charging capabilities, as well as pin outs for XBee wireless modules.  The board has 14 digital outs, 6 of which provide PWM.  To program the board I'll need to pick up an FTDI Basic Breakout board, the 3.3v version, not the 5v.  The final piece for the control circuit is the XBee board, however from what I've seen, none of them are actually Bluetooth capable.  In its place I plan to pick up a Bluetooth Bee HC-05 this should be plug and play with the Arduino Fio, but I can't be sure.

The next step is going to be to checkout some Servos.  Unfortunately I know nothing about these yet either.  I'm going to go to a couple of local hobbie shops and ask around.