What Is Asimov 1?
A high-level introduction to the Asimov 1 humanoid robot.
Work in progress
This is an early public version of the Asimov 1 manual. Some later build and software sections are still being completed.
Asimov 1 is an open-source reference humanoid designed for builders, engineers, and researchers developing full-body robotic systems.
Standing approximately 1.2 m (3.94 ft) tall, it features 25 powered joints, battery-powered operation, and a modular architecture with separate motion-control and compute units.
The platform is designed to be understandable, serviceable, and adaptable. Builders can inspect how each system works, assemble and repair individual modules, replace components, and modify the robot for research, experimentation, and application development.
The design files associated with Asimov 1 are available from the public Asimov 1 repository. You can also receive the BOM in your email through the form below.
At a Glance
| Specification | Asimov 1 |
|---|---|
| Height | Approximately 1.2 m (3.94 ft) |
| Weight | 35 kg |
| Motion | 25 powered joints: 6 per leg, 5 per arm, 1 for waist, 2 for neck |
| Peripherals & Sensors | IMU, Speaker, Monocular camera, Microphone array |
| Onboard compute | Raspberry Pi 5 for media and networking; Radxa CM5 for motion control |
| Communications | 6 CAN branches for actuators and robot subsystems |
| Power | Rechargeable lithium-ion battery system |
The specifications above describe the robot at a system level. Detailed joint limits, actuator parameters, battery limits, and other engineering values live in the Detailed Specifications.
A Robot You Can Understand
Asimov 1 is not a black-box consumer appliance. It is an open platform that exposes the complete engineering stack behind a functioning humanoid robot, from its mechanical structure to its control software.
| Layer | Capabilities |
|---|---|
| Mechanical | Robot frame, joint structure, transmission systems, and serviceable mechanical modules |
| Electronics | Actuators, power distribution, embedded controllers, sensors, and communication hardware |
| Firmware | Motor control, safety systems, networking, sensor integration, and locomotion policy deployment |
| Software | Audio and video processing, robot data collection, remote operation, and integration with external platforms |
Together, these layers make Asimov 1 a practical platform for understanding humanoid system architecture, collecting real-world robot data, testing control systems, and developing directly on physical humanoid hardware.
Complex electromechanical system
Asimov 1 is closer in complexity to a vehicle than a weekend project. Assembly and operation require appropriate mechanical, electrical, and robotics experience. Powered testing must be performed in a controlled environment with the robot supported by a stable structure (e.g. OpenCrane) and an emergency stop within reach.
Choose your own Asimov 1 adventure
- If you have pre-ordered an Asimov 1 from us, choose
Asimov 1 DIY kit. - If you want to source all the parts and manufacture them yourself, choose
Self-source. - Otherwise, continue exploring at your own pace.
Asimov 1 DIY kit
For those who have pre-ordered an Asimov 1 DIY Kit.
Self-source
For those who want to manufacture Asimov 1 themselves.
Explore the System
Capabilities and Limitations
What Asimov is designed to do, and what is outside its current scope.
System Tour and Architecture
Meet the robot's modules and see how structure, power, control, compute, and sensing fit together.
How to Use This Manual
Follow the path from preparation to a commissioned robot.
How is this guide?