US researchers produce $5K 3D-printable open source humanoid robot [English]

Source: Engineers Ireland | Author: Not Specified | Read the full article in English

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley have created an exciting new robot that could change how people think about robotics. Called the Berkeley Humanoid Lite, this innovative machine is designed to be affordable and accessible to everyone from professional researchers to hobbyist robotics enthusiasts. Unlike traditional humanoid robots that can cost over $100,000, this new robot can be assembled for less than $5,000 using standard parts and a desktop 3D printer.

The robot's most impressive feature is its construction method. Most of its components can be 3D printed, making it incredibly customizable and easy to reproduce. It uses special gear mechanisms called cycloidal gearboxes, which are both cheap and incredibly robust. Despite being mostly 3D printed, the robot is surprisingly capable – it can walk, hop, and even be controlled remotely. The robot stands about 0.8 meters tall and weighs around 16 kilograms, with a few aluminum parts added for extra strength.

The Berkeley team's goal is to democratize robotics research by making their design completely open-source. They've made all their design files, programming code, and training resources freely available on GitHub. This means anyone interested in robotics can access, study, and even modify the robot's design. By removing financial and technical barriers, they hope to encourage more people to explore and contribute to the field of humanoid robotics, potentially sparking innovation and new discoveries.

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