Trossen Robotics PhantomX AX Hexapod (MK-III) price & specs

Interbotix Labs / Trossen Robotics (USA) PhantomX AX Hexapod (MK-III) (1)

Was $1,095.95 – $1,999.95

Discontinued · used/leftover onlyDynamixelArbotiXOpen sourceDiscontinued

Possibly ≤ 1 weekShipping: Used only.

LEARN MORE (Archived Trossen page, 2016) ↗

Overview

The benchmark enthusiast hexapod of the 2010s. Dynamixel smart servos, an aluminum frame and an IK gait engine made it the default research-grade hobby spider, and the MK-III release was fully open source. Trossen listed it as discontinued by late 2023. Used kits and spare Dynamixels remain common.

Type: Multi-legged robot · Research & legacy
Maker: Interbotix Labs / Trossen Robotics (USA)
Released: 2012
Price: Was $1,095.95 – $1,999.95
Status: Discontinued · used/leftover only
Best for: Ages 16+
Programming: Open source (hardware + software)

Price and shipping

MK-III full kit with AX-12A servos $1,199.95 in 2016 (later $1,095.95). AX-18A version up to $1,999.95. Listed as discontinued by Dec 2023. Product page archived since 2012.

Shipping: Used only. Discontinued by Trossen (by Dec 2023). Used kits appear on eBay and forums, and AX-12A servos are still sold.

Specifications

Category	Multi-legged robots · Research & legacy
Released	2012
Country	USA
Availability	Discontinued · used/leftover only
Programmability	Open source (hardware + software)
Built-in autonomy	None / scripted · Moves only when controlled, or plays preset motions
LLM support	Possible via SDK · No built-in LLM. Its SDK lets software on a computer control it.
MuJoCo simulation	None found · Nothing found.
NVIDIA Isaac simulation	None found · Nothing found.
Gazebo simulation	Community model · HumaRobotics' phantomx_gazebo ROS package simulates the hexapod in Gazebo. HumaRobotics phantomx_gazebo ↗
Best for	Ages 16+ (estimated)
Vision sensors	No vision sensors
Actuators	Smart servos (Dynamixel, Feetech…)
Audio	No audio
Compute type	Arduino / ESP32 / microcontroller
Compute	ArbotiX-M Robocontroller (Arduino-compatible), XBee wireless, top deck for an SBC
Weight	Not published
Speed	Not published
Legs / DOF	6 legs × 3 DOF = 18 Dynamixel AX-12A or AX-18A smart servos
Sensors	Servo position/load/temperature feedback, deck for user sensors
SDK	Open-source Arduino gait engine with inverse kinematics (6 gaits), XBee control from PC or ArbotiX Commander, community ROS drivers

Common questions

How much does PhantomX AX Hexapod cost?

It sold for $1,095.95 – $1,999.95. MK-III full kit with AX-12A servos $1,199.95 in 2016 (later $1,095.95). AX-18A version up to $1,999.95. Listed as discontinued by Dec 2023. Product page archived since 2012.

Can PhantomX AX Hexapod be bought today?

It is discontinued, though used or leftover units still turn up. Discontinued by Trossen (by Dec 2023). Used kits appear on eBay and forums, and AX-12A servos are still sold.

Who makes PhantomX AX Hexapod?

PhantomX AX Hexapod is made by Interbotix Labs / Trossen Robotics (USA). It came out in 2012.

Can PhantomX AX Hexapod be programmed?

Open source (hardware + software). Open-source Arduino gait engine with inverse kinematics (6 gaits), XBee control from PC or ArbotiX Commander, community ROS drivers.