Building Munchie Mk2: The Not-So-Smooth Journey of Crafting a Grocery-Buddy Robot

So, here's the deal. The first Munchie, my Halloween robot buddy, was great—kind of like an enthusiastic puppy that’s not house-trained yet. Munchie Mk1 did its best, but it was time for an upgrade. Enter Munchie Mk2, a grocery-carrying bot I’m determined to make faster, stronger, and less likely to topple over when it hits a curb.

First Look: Aluminum Frame, CNC Plywood, and a Few Bruised Knuckles

For Mk2, I’m using aluminum framing and CNC-cut 1/4-inch plywood panels. I know, it’s not exactly what they’d use on the Mars Rover, but it’s durable, budget-friendly, and I didn’t have to sell my left kidney to afford it.

The idea is simple: make Munchie lightweight and strong enough to carry grocery bags, without looking like it belongs in a dystopian survival film. Sure, some people will argue for carbon fiber, but let’s face it—I’d like Munchie to be able to survive a quick grocery run without needing an army of NASA engineers.

The Motors: Hoverboard Power…Because Why Not?

Here’s where I really went off the rails. I decided to power Munchie with brushless DC motors from a hoverboard. Yes, hoverboard motors. Is it overkill? Maybe. Is it going to make Munchie faster than it probably should be? Absolutely. And that’s half the fun.

Now, using hoverboard motors might seem a bit extra for a grocery bot, but they’re robust, affordable, and surprisingly powerful. Plus, imagine the looks we’ll get when people realize this little grocery carrier can actually zoom. But it comes with challenges—hoverboard motors are a bit like trying to tame a wild horse that’s seen too many action movies. They’re powerful, yes, but they don’t exactly play nice with standard controllers. That’s part of the fun, though, right? (Or at least that’s what I tell myself when I’m deep in troubleshooting mode.)

Dynamic Suspension System: Because Even Robots Deserve Smooth Rides

Okay, here’s where I might lose some people. I’m adding a servo-controlled, spring-loaded suspension system. Yes, you read that right. It’s the kind of upgrade most grocery bots wouldn’t dream of, but this isn’t just any grocery bot—this is Munchie Mk2.

Imagine Munchie navigating curbs, sidewalks, and parking lots like it’s auditioning for the next Transformers movie. The suspension system allows Munchie to adjust its height and adapt to rougher terrain, so if it needs to brave a grocery store parking lot on a rainy day, it’s ready. Critics might call it over-engineering, but I call it preparation. Plus, if you’re going to build a grocery-bot, why not make it a grocery-bot with style?

Why All the Hype?

Some might say I’m doing too much here, but Munchie Mk2 is all about fun, functionality, and maybe a bit of absurdity. The whole point is to see what I can create on a tight budget while making something useful—and, hopefully, entertaining.

So, if you’re up for a good laugh and want to see how far this DIY project can go, get ready for Episode 1. We’re kicking off with the frame build, suspension setup, and motor installation, and it’s bound to be as chaotic as it is fun. Make sure to subscribe and join the madness!

Stay tuned for the first video drop. Whether you’re here for the engineering, the potential grocery-bot fails, or just to see a robot doing its best, Munchie Mk2 promises a little something for everyone.