smiller29
The Birth Of The XR-1 DIY Robot
Introducing the Updated XJ-5: A New Class of Hobby Robots
The XJ-5 robot platform, available at Robots Builder, is known for its user-friendly design, emphasizing accessibility and ease of assembly. Designed to make robotics more approachable, the XJ-5 is meticulously engineered for simple 3D printing and assembly using standard components such as servos and bearings.
Our objective is to simplify the building process so that enthusiasts and robot hobbyists of all skill levels can engage in constructing their own robots. We've dedicated significant time to perfecting the design, enabling users to quickly progress to the exciting tasks of programming and teaching their robots using Synthiam's ARC software. The XJ-5 is highly customizable, featuring a variety of hands and heads to allow personalization of each creation. To foster a collaborative and open community, we're proud to announce that the XJ-5 is entirely open source, inviting users to contribute, modify, and share their innovations globally. Get ready to embark on a journey of creativity and exploration with the XJ-5!
For more information, check out Robots Builder.
As a creator of the XJ-5 and our other XR series, I will be utilizing the Synthiam ARC platform for robot control, and I hope others here will join me in developing an ARC project to support the XJ-5 robot. As of January 9th, 2024, we have started posting files for 3D printing. Meanwhile, we are developing documentation and updating the website, so please check back regularly.
My goal is to develop a walking, talking, listening, and seeing robot the size of a small child using ARC and its various features. As I progress, I will be sharing more about my efforts here.
Now, let's delve into the project, focusing on the new and improved XR1, the XJ-5, which I have been designing and building over the past year.
As a young enthusiast, I loved the movie Short Circuit and was inspired by the Johnny 5 robot, motivating me to create a similar robot. Although not a direct replica of Johnny 5, it embodies some of its iconic features. About a year ago, DJ suggested opting for a robot with wheels or tracks over a bipedal robot due to the complexity of achieving stable walking, a challenge I am familiar with from our XR2 project. But that's a story for another time.
Now, in May 2025, I've nearly completed the assembly and will soon start implementing ARC and the AI brain I've been developing to enhance ARC support. Expect more updates soon.
I have started building the robot's torso from the hips up, as shown in the pictures below. The shoulders are not entirely installed because I'm awaiting the arrival of the correct screws. Please excuse the messy workbench.
To support the robot, I've designed a set of custom boards with ARC firmware that will connect to the onboard PC, located in the chest area.
The above board will be mounted on the backplate between the two shoulder sockets and connected to a USB hub linked to the PC. Two additional USB cables, alongside servo power, run down to the boards in each hand. The USB camera and headboard will connect to the PC's other two USB ports. ARC will operate headlessly on the Windows 11 Pro PC using RDP for remote connectivity. Additionally, there's an MPU connected to the main board, which I plan to leverage with ARC.
I've added the shoulders and arms down to the wrists, ensuring they are strong and capable.
I've decided to create a Johnny 5-style head for my build featuring two cameras. Here's the completed head. I've included six more servos for the eye flaps, bringing the total count to 50 servos. The design incorporates a directional mic array and ultrasonic radar for enhanced audio and visual capabilities. For sound, two speakers are mounted in the head with an audio amplifier.
I've also opted to integrate a 5-inch touch display into the XR-1, as shown below.
This display will offer additional options for operator interaction using ARC remote controls.
I've created both two and three-finger claw grippers and human-like hands, providing versatility in interaction for the XR-1.
We have now posted all of the above XR1 parts on the site and the next section to be release is the lower arm and wrist once we have completed testing them.
Very cool! Looks like a fun project
Well DJ we need to get your team to build one. So you can help make stuff for it.
We’d love to! Resources are thin right now as top priority is ARCx. It wouldn’t be until after March that there will be time to do it. By then you’ll be busy adding ARCx functionality to it. What a great robot though! Can’t wait to try it and promote it for you
Well I am looking forward to ARCx I think next month I need to do my subscription again.
It would be nice if you could create firmware ID’s for the Nano I currently am using the UNO firmware and it works but within ARC the image shows the UNO it would be nice if it could show a Nano.
Based on my testing the Mega firmware seems to be working on the Mega Pro Mini so it would also be nice if that had its own ID and picture within ARC.
Maybe this could be something for ARCx.
I see you have a telegram channel. A lot of robotics folks hang out on Discord. Do you have a discord channel? The photos and design docs are very professional and look great. Do you have a video of the XR1?
Not fully built. I had a prototype version but that was not the same as this new design. We have made many improvements based on testing. We currently have about 10 people building this new design including myself.
So far the people have said things are going well and they are very happy with the design and fitment of the parts. Once I get the rest of my stuff to complete the control pack and get ARC setup and start developing scripts we are not going to see any real animated videos.
We are making some videos of some of the joints and sections of the build. I am sure we will end up posting them on the website at some point.
As far as discord goes we don’t at this point, but we have created a facebook group. We can’t spread our self’s to thin right now but I am sure discord will happen at some point.
This is a update to let people know we have completed more parts of the XR1 for release.