How would you rig a Hexapod in Maya?

#1

Hey guys,

I could really use your help! I was working on a side project, and I hit a bit of a wall on the rigging. I have to figure out a way to rig this hexapod.

Now I know how to rig the pistons using an IK and 2 aim constraints, but I’m not sure how to do the double joint rotation at the base and top of the pistons on the Hexapod. I need to find a way for the double joint to rotate properly, and have them play nicely with the IK’s driving the pistons. Basically, I want everything to move and rotate properly when I move the top of the hexapod around. Any ideas on how to set this up in Maya?

Here is an example movie of how it should function:

Hexapod Ref

Thanks for any help you can offer,

Leif

#2

Howdy,

That would be a simple U-Joint rig using 2 aim constraints:
http://www.cactus3d.com/U_Joint_Rig_FBX.zip

The original file was created in Cinema 4D and exported to FBX, which you should be able to import with the “Constraints” option enabled in the FBX import options to see how the aim constraints are used. :wink:

Adios,
Cactus Dan

#3

Thanks Cactus Dan. I’ll give that a shot!

#4

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