Hiwonder SpiderPi Pro Hexapod Robot with AI Vision Robotic Arm with Raspberry Pi 5 8GB

Specifications

• Operating Voltage: 11.1V 3500mAh 5C Lipo battery
• Main Controller: Raspberry Pi 5 8GB RAM
• Actuators: High-voltage serial bus servos with real-time position feedback
• Vision System: HD AI Vision Camera (mounted on robotic arm)
• Degrees of Freedom (DoF): 18 DoF (legs) + additional DoF for the robotic arm
• Primary Capabilities: Target tracking, smart sorting, face-activated fan, inverse kinematics, group control
• Programming Language: Python
• Ultrasonic ranging distance: 2-400cm
• Robotic arm DOF: 5DOF
• Leg: 3DOF (each leg) x6
• Control Methods: PC software, Smartphone App, PS4 Bluetooth Controller
• Camera resolution: 480P
• Weight: 3.1 kg 
• Frame Material: Hard aluminium alloy
• Compatible Platforms: Native Raspberry Pi (Included)

Unlock New Capabilities

• If you've already experimented with basic quadruped walkers, simple OpenCV color tracking on a benchtop, or inverse kinematics on standalone robotic arms, you understand the fundamentals of robotics. The SpiderPi Pro is the natural next step—bringing all these disciplines together into one cohesive, mobile, and intelligent system.
• This SpiderPi Pro unlocks true machine vision integration on the move. You can develop applications for autonomous object sorting, dynamic target tracking across varied terrain, and facial recognition-based interaction. It takes you beyond simple pre-programmed gaits into the realm of dynamic kinematic responses driven by real-time camera data.
• Effort Level: Advanced

Minimum hardware to get started:

• PC or Mac: required to run the desktop control software, assign servo IDs, and modify the core Python scripts.
• 11.1V 3S LiPo Battery (XT60): absolutely essential; the high-voltage serial bus servos require significant current and 11.1V power to generate the necessary torque. Standard 5V power banks cannot drive this robot.
• LiPo Balance Charger: required to safely charge and maintain the 3S battery without damaging the internal cells.

Included in the Box:

• 1× Complete Hard Aluminium Alloy Hexapod Frame
• 1× Raspberry Pi 5 8GB with Active Cooler
• 1× Vision Robotic Arm (with HD Camera)
• 1× Hiwonder Servo Controller / Expansion Board
• 1× Full set of High-Voltage Serial Bus Servos
• 1× Set of assembly hardware, cables, and AI sorting blocks

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the SpiderPi Pro compatible with older Raspberry Pi models?
  While it can physically interface with a Pi 4, the heavy processing requirements of the AI vision arm run significantly better on the included Raspberry Pi 5.
• Can I use a custom camera instead of the included AI vision camera?
  The pre-configured Python scripts are calibrated for the field of view and resolution of the included camera, so swapping it requires manually modifying the tracking code.
• Does the control software work on a Mac?
  Yes, the PC software is available for Windows, and you can also interface with the robot via the VNC/SSH network on macOS or Linux.
• Can I add additional sensors to the expansion board?
  Yes, the Hiwonder expansion board breaks out several spare I/O ports for adding ultrasonic sensors, IR sensors, or custom modules.
• What battery is required to run the SpiderPi Pro?
  You must use an 11.1V 3S LiPo battery with an XT60 connector (2200mAh or higher recommended) to provide enough current for the high-voltage servos.
• Can I power the robot directly from the wall using an AC adapter?
  It is not recommended for dynamic movement as standard AC adapters cannot handle the sudden high-current spikes drawn by 18+ servos moving simultaneously.
• How long will a 2200mAh 11.1V battery last during operation?
  Depending on the intensity of the robotic arm movements and gait speed, a fully charged 2200mAh battery typically provides 30 to 45 minutes of continuous run time.
• How do I connect the servos to the controller board?
  The serial bus servos are daisy-chained together, meaning you connect them in series to a single port, provided each servo has been assigned a unique ID via software first.
• Which USB port on the Raspberry Pi 5 should the camera connect to?
  Always connect the high-definition AI vision camera to one of the blue USB 3.0 ports on the Pi 5 to ensure sufficient bandwidth for lag-free OpenCV processing.
• Do I need to solder any components to build the SpiderPi Pro?
  No, the entire kit is plug-and-play with pre-crimped connectors, though you must carefully route the cables to prevent pinching during leg movement.
• What programming language is used for the AI vision scripts?
  All the core kinematics, vision processing, and control logic are written in Python, making it highly accessible for modification.
• Where can I find the source code for the face tracking module?
  The source code is included on the pre-configured SD card provided with the kit and can be accessed directly from the Raspberry Pi desktop environment.
• Can I use ROS (Robot Operating System) with this hexapod?
  Yes, the Raspberry Pi 5 is more than capable of running ROS 2, though you will need to set up the appropriate URDF models and nodes manually.
• Why are the robot's legs moving erratically or vibrating?
  This is almost always caused by misassigned servo IDs or inadequate power delivery from a depleted LiPo battery dropping below 11.1V.
• Why is the AI vision camera failing to detect colors correctly?
  OpenCV color detection relies heavily on HSV color space tuning; you may need to adjust the HSV threshold sliders in the software to match your room's specific lighting conditions.
• What should I do if the Raspberry Pi 5 is overheating?
  Ensure the active cooler is properly seated and plugged into the fan header on the Pi, as processing machine vision continuously generates significant heat.
• Why is my hexapod failing to lift itself off the ground?
  Check that your 3S LiPo battery is fully charged and that you haven't exceeded the payload capacity of the robotic arm, which alters the center of gravity.