H1a: Alpha Rings - Foundational Design

July 2025 - Proof of Concept

Design Philosophy

The Alpha Rings represented the first physical manifestation of cybernetic organism concepts. Rather than attempting sophisticated movement from the outset, the design focused on establishing reliable multi-segment coordination using readily available components.

Technical Specifications

Motor Configuration: 4x SG-90 servo motors positioned for maximum range coverage Structural System: Ring-based modular architecture enabling segment isolation Control Strategy: Basic position coordination through Arduino-based timing Movement Range: 180° servo limitation constraining exploration envelope

Material Innovation

PLA 3D printing provided rapid iteration capability while maintaining structural integrity. The ring-based approach enabled modular assembly and repair - damaged segments could be replaced without rebuilding the entire organism.

Critical Insights

• Modular architecture enables evolutionary development
• Servo limitations become organism personality traits rather than bugs
• Basic coordination sufficient for establishing territorial behaviors
• 3D printing enables biological-style iterative evolution

Evolutionary Pressure

Alpha Rings established the foundation but revealed servo reliability issues and workspace limitations that would drive subsequent subspecies development toward BLDC motor systems and expanded movement envelopes.

Download: Alpha Rings Technical Specifications Related: Beta Rings Refinement | Echo Knuckle Breakthrough