As part of a larger project, Instructables user "thejuggler" has created some very large animatronic tentacles. Each tentacle uses servos that pull speedometer cables to create movement in the tentacle, which is custom made from laser-cut parts. The servos are controlled by a NIntendo Wii nunchuk interfaced to an Arduino board. Although the project is still a work-in-progress, the following video shows a tentacle in action:
Considering something like this would have been outside the scope of the ordinary hobbyist a few years ago - it's a great project. For more information and design files, visit the project page. And for more, we're on twitter and Google+, so follow us for news and product updates as well.
Want to make your own tentacles, or other Arduino-controlled projects, but not sure how to start? Then the best way to learn is with out new Experimenter's Kit for Arduino:
The package includes a wide variety of parts, sensors and modules including: a servo motor, lights, buttons, switches, sound, sensors, breadboard, wires and more. Furthermore a Freetronics Eleven Arduino-compatible board is included to make this an extensive hobby experimenter, inventor and starter kit. However we don't leave you alone to figure it all out, included is a great project and instruction booklet, plus access to a supporting web page and software examples. In other words - this is everything you need to get started for a fun range of electronics and Arduino related projects!
So to get started or for more information and to order, check out the product page.
