The Rapiro Humanoid Robot puts a cute shell over a fascinating technical challenge - building a two-legged robot. It comes complete with all the parts you need, the plastic body, 12 x servo-motors, RGB LEDs for the eyes, and an Arduino-compatible controller board. Just add batteries. Assembly is straightforward using the instructions online and a couple of small screwdrivers. Once it's all together and powered up you can connect it to a PC or laptop via USB cable (not supplied) to upload the robot's software using the free Arduino IDE. Controlling the robot is very simple using its built-in set of pre-programmed motions which include walking, waving, grasping etc. Each motion is accompanied by a dynamic eye colour change. Since the controller board is Arduino UNO compatible you can use the official software as a starting point for your own functions or start again from scratch to control Rapiro your own way.
Once you are comfortable working with Rapiro you can add a Raspberry Pi to throw open the doors to endless possibilities. Use the Pi to send commands to the controller, then add sensors, WiFi, Bluetooth, in fact, you can take your pick from the huge array of Pi modules to get exciting new functions. For example, drive the robot using a Playstation or Wii controller, via Wi-Fi or using your Android or IOS smartphone. Add sound or speech, or add a Pi camera and give your robot vision with the free OpenCV software. Whilst Rapiro is compatible with the Pi B, if you want to add a Pi B+ or Pi 2 you'll need to make some modifications to the plastic body; there are detailed instructions online.
Rapiro was originally a very successful Kickstarter project and has a wealth of supporting material on the Internet as well as an active community. You can download the software and schematics, find the body models on Thingiverse for 3D printing, learn from and be inspired by the Wiki, or get support from fellow builders on the Rapiro forum. You can also preview the assembly instructions, which are online.
On the outside Rapiro is a cross between a Stormtrooper and an Ewok, and with so many servos controlled by an Arduino compatible board it's a real opportunity to explore robotics, electronics and coding. Add a Raspberry Pi to push the boundaries of your creativity.
Arduino UNO compatible controller included
3 x servos in each arm
2 x servos in each leg
Head and waist rotation (not 360°)
Designed to be upgradeable with a Raspberry Pi (see main text)
Forehead light can be replaced by a Raspberry Pi camera
Self-assembly, just requires a couple of small screwdrivers
Requires 5 x AA batteries and USB micro-B cable (not supplied)
Measures (H x W x D) 257 x 196 x 159mm (10.1 x 7.7 x 6.3in)
Supplied in the kit: 30 x plastic parts, 12 x servo motors, screws, internal cables, Arduino compatible controller board, RGB LED board. There's also a very handy sheet of self-adhesive labels so that you can keep track of all those servos.
Not supplied: 5 x AA batteries, USB micro-B cable (to connect to a PC or laptop).
