Cyber Spider

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A cheap 8-legged motorized spider for around $20. I got this on sale from ToysRus. It is called "Cyber Spider" and is made by Wow-Wee inc. Eventually, this toy will become obsolete but by examining and understanding the mechanics in this toy I can utilize those ideas in other designs. I'm specifically looking for forward,  reverse and turning capability.
   
The body is about the size of a hand. It came with an infrared controller seen here on the arm. The spider could move forward, turn right slowly and turn left slowly. It also had sound effects, LEDs and a light sensor.
   
Removing the top reveals a gearbox with dual motors and a set of printed circuit boards. I'll toss the boards since I want to focus on understanding the mechanical design. Later on, I could add my own microcontroller brains and sensors for autonomous operation.  
   
A close-up of the dual motors. The motors have a worm gear on the end of their shaft. The left motor controls the sweeping of 4 legs on the left side and the right motor controls the sweeping of 4 legs on the right side.

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