UC Berkeley researchers create affordable open-source humanoid robot to democratize robotics research.
Now, over at UC Berkeley, researchers have just pulled the sheets off the Berkeley Humanoid Lite, an open-source humanoid robot designed to be low-cost and available-to-all. If it catches on, it could change the face of robotics research.
The 3D-printed robot itself, 80cm tall and weighing 16kg, is also cheap to make at under $5,000 — a mere fraction of what a commercial humanoid robot costs (which can often be priced over $100,000). That low cost was only possible due to desktop 3D printers and off the shelf componets.
Despite its budget-friendly construction, the Berkeley Humanoid Lite demonstrates impressive capabilities, including walking, hopping, and remote-controlled task execution. The robot features 22 cycloidal gear actuators for movement, with a frame reinforced by aluminum components for additional strength.
“The robot’s motors and body use 3D-printed cycloidal gearboxes, keeping costs low while maintaining structural integrity,” according to documentation released with the project. All necessary components can be purchased from online retailers, and the design is compatible with 3D printers having at least a 200 x 200 x 200 mm build space.
The project’s open-source nature extends beyond hardware specifications. UC Berkeley has made all CAD files, programming code, and training resources freely available through GitHub, including training policies, motion capture data, and basic control code.
Although the Berkeley Humanoid Lite may not be able to endure harsh industrial conditions and does not possess the advanced sensors incorporated in high-end robots, it is ideal for testing reinforcement learning movement algorithms as well as other research activities.
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This low-cost alternative could disrupt other competitors in the robotics market which may force firms such as Boston Dynamics to rethink their pricing. Market analysts are suggesting that this move is a part of what they are labeling a “robotics revolution” that allows smaller labs and independent innovators to partake in advanced research which was largely confined to well-funded institution.
