Menlo

How to Use This Manual

You will only ever need to go forward

Follow the Manual Forward

The required path is organized so that information appears before it is needed. Complete each stage before moving to the next one.

The manual is designed in such a way that you will only ever have to go forward and never backward, so if you find yourself have to go back at any steps, please make a feedback to us!

StageWhat you doExit condition
1. Asimov 1 OverviewUnderstand the robot, its capabilities, and its major systemsYou know what you are building
2. Prepare the BuildInspect, prepare, account for, and group every required itemEvery module kit is ready for assembly
3. Assemble AsimovBuild each module and connect the complete robotThe robot is mechanically and electrically assembled
4. Verify and CommissionInspect, power, configure, zero, and test the robot safelyThe hardware passes end-of-line checks
5. Connect and OperateConnect the commissioned robot to the supported software experienceThe robot can perform its first supported behavior
6. Design, Extend and ReferenceStudy design details or modify the platformOptional ongoing development

What Success Looks Like

Bring-up should be evaluated in stages:

  1. You understand the system and have a safe workspace, the required tools, and every required part.
  2. The hardware is assembled and passes mechanical and unpowered electrical checks.
  3. The robot powers on, shuts down, communicates, and responds to the emergency stop correctly.
  4. Every actuator, sensor, and I/O device passes its commissioning checks.
  5. The software control path is configured and tested with the robot restrained.
  6. The robot reaches stable supported operation and locomotion on hardware.

The correct first milestone is not to make the robot walk immediately. It is to achieve a clean, safe, and repeatable operation of Asimov 1.

Required and Optional Information

Required build pages contain the parts, tools, starting condition, procedure, and acceptance checks needed at that point.

Reference pages contain deeper material such as:

  • detailed actuator ratings and motor mappings
  • joint coordinates, limits, and mechanism equations
  • connector signals and battery specifications
  • CAD and fabrication data
  • API messages and control protocols
  • extension and modification guidance

Before continuing

Do not begin assembly directly from the module pages. Complete Prepare the Build first so mechanical parts, actuators, premade wires, electronics, fasteners, tools, and safety equipment are accounted for and ready.

How is this guide?

On this page