People have a lot of requirements when it comes to robotics, and this is a good reason to introduce customizable kits. HR-OS1 is more than an open-source humanoid robot kit. It is a platform where three concepts are blended together in a single body: modularity, open-source, and Internet of Things.
The HR-OS1 is the result of collaboration between Trossen Robotics and 21st Century Robot having the aim to cover all the possible needs in areas such as education, research, and social.
Overall the kit catches my attention with three features: it has a metal frame with modular system for adding additional components and custom 3D printed parts, it can connect wirelessly with a smartphone or a tablet, and it is powered by Intel Edison processor.
The HR-OS1 body can take different forms
Only through sharing, collaboration and using the open-source concept can be developed a community around the HR-OS1 robot. However, where is a large community of users that shares ideas, applications, tips and tricks, the manufacturer can refresh the HR-OS series with new versions such as HR-OS2, HR-OS3,.. and improved features based on the community feedback. This is the right equation for a platform featured enough to cut a piece from the users of PR2, HRP-4, DARwIn-OP, NAO Next Gen and others.
The price is another reason to use the HR-OS1. Compared with other research and educational platforms, the $1,600 price of HR-OS1 is like spending money to drink beer instead traveling to Dubai.
Customization is the keyword of the HR-OS1 kit and is the key in developing distinct robots with unique electronics and shells based on the same skeleton.
Do you want to know more about Intel Edison? Read: Intel Edison: Putting it All Together
Digging deep into specifications, the robot has attached 20 AX-12A robot actuators, gyro and accelerometer sensors, and of course the Intel Edison computing platform with built-in Wifi and Bluetooth modules for connectivity, which in the maker area is comparable with a dragon that breathes fire.
The HR-OS1 humanoid endoskeleton
For additional sensors, motors, LEDs, and more parts, the robot is featured with 16 x 12-bit analog inputs which are more than enough to build your custom and well-equipped humanoid bot.
The robot runs the same Linux software as DARwin-OP based on an open-source C++ framework with Node.JS that allows developers to write mobile applications easily.
The 3D printing technology exists? Yes, exist for over 30 years and is used worldwide in a variety of application. The open-source concept exists? Yes, exists and is one of the most important ideas in the makers’ community. Do you want to put a smartphone in it chest? Just do it. Do you want a blue robot? Just printed. Do you want HR-OS1? Just buy it.