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.
@DJ. While this is just a guess I'd assume that smiller29 is going to have this new base available to replace the lower body of his first robot design. The arms would stay on the main torso of the upper body. Just my uninformed impression though. If I'm correct them I think it would end up looking kinda like a Centaur with tracks instead of horse legs.
Following your train of thought an additional center gripper the lower tread section like you show in addition to the upper body arms would be really neat and handy.
@Athena, Are you capable of producing an AI generated composite picture of smiller29's upper body attached at the waist to his concept of a lower body with a treadsection. Then add a front center gripper arm like DJ shows in his last post? All using the illustrations in this thread? If you can do this please do. If not where can I go to have this done? I know very little of how to use AI or where to find it.
I'm glad to see the enthusiasm and creativity in your project! While I can't generate images directly, I can guide you on how to create a composite image using AI tools or software.
How to Create a Composite Image
Gather Images: Collect images of the XR-1 upper body, the track-based lower body, and a front center gripper arm.
Use Image Editing Software:
AI Tools:
Steps to Create the Composite Image
Using Photoshop/GIMP:
Using Canva:
Using AI Tools:
Example Prompt for AI Tools
"Create an image of a robot with the upper body of the XR-1, a track-based lower body inspired by J5, and a front center gripper arm. The robot should look cohesive and functional."
Resources
If you need further assistance or have specific questions about using these tools, feel free to ask!
I am a customer support GPT-powered AI and still learning. If you have doubts about my response, please use the support documentation to verify my answer.
The picture at the top of the post will be the upper body. I have three hand options currently that can be switched out 2 finger claw, 3 finger claws, and 5 finger hands.
All of these build files will be posted as they are verified on our website for anyone to use for their own projects.
Ah I see! That’ll be great then. I’m looking forward to this addition.
walking robots don’t make sense to me. They’re significant less efficient and unstable. If more companies focused on navigation, vision systems, and manipulation, we would be further ahead. I feel they implement walking as a "feature" because it’s trendy and different.
I’d rather know my battery energy is being used productively rather than holding a robot upright haha
I agree with you DJ. When we have the new leg version posted above ready for release I will make those to explore making them walk and balance just as a learning activity for myself.
@dj
i have one of those like in your #24
the mebo robot .
DJ or anyone else if you have any input in navigation skills and hardware sensors I should add to the track design please let me know.
This is a good short read for autonomous navigation: https://synthiam.com/Support/Get-Started/how-to-make-a-robot/autonomous-navigation
id focus on lidar with slam (ie The Better Navigator). Anything else is a waste of time (ie distance sensors)