Mobile Robot Concept Design Development

Nikita Bragin — Sat, 17 May 2025 21:17:23 +0000

In May Robonine completed a first variation of the full robot design. We want to show, step by step, what we started from and what we finally achieved.

Initial Requirements

A 3D design concept needs to be created with consideration for the technical specifications of the structure.
The model should be showcased in an environment – indoors, controlled by a person using a VR Oculus Quest 3.
Source files must be provided.

Initial concept. Design provided by our engineer

External Parameters

Matte black color. Alternative color schemes may be considered: white, yellow.
Frame dimensions: 350 mm to 400 mm × (1300 mm to 1400 mm, including wheel height).
Operating format similar to a Segway.
The view of the upper П-shaped frame from the front and back should be identical.
A depth camera and LiDAR should be installed on the upper frame.
LED strips should be installed on the side frames.
LED strips should also be installed on the lower platform.
Depth cameras (similar to Intel RealSense D405) should be mounted on the manipulators.

Sketch showing position of detectors

Balancing Mechanism

The tail will be in a lowered position all the time and will have a straight shape resembling the letter П, with a roller at each end. The rollers are non-driven.

Balancing mechanism – Profile view

Balancing mechanism

Wheels

Swiveling wheels, like in the image:
3-inch Small Industrial Caster Wheels – Alibaba

Robot back wheels

Manipulators

The manipulators extend to the full height of the pole.
Height: 1300 mm
Length: 650 mm
The appendage on the second joint should be adjusted. The engineer will determine whether to remove or shift the structure inward.

Robot arm

Design of the Gripper

Parallel gripper design

Position of Manipulator Poles

The poles should be turned at a 45-degree angle to ensure maximum reach.
This angle provides as much working space as possible for the manipulators.

Main frame poles angle

Top Sensors

The depth camera should be able to rotate back and forth.
Initially, we planned to use 3D LiDARs, so one was placed on top.

Top sensors

Lower Wheel Motors

Size: 8.5 inches
8.5-inch wheels for electric scooters – Uralelectronica

Front electric motor wheels

First Version of the Robot's Main Frame

Front view

Profile view

Back view

In this version:

We decided to use a heavy back instead of an adaptive tail. Initially, we considered a water tank to provide ~20kg weight to compensate for the forward tipping moment when the arms are fully extended.
The designer used orange color to make the robot visible from a distance.

Second Version of the Robot's Main Frame

Second version – Front view

Second version – Back view

Updates:

Switched to black color, as tough engineering plastics are typically black.
Flat surface on the back for users to place items.
Instead of a water tank, we now use heavy-duty batteries to compensate for forward tipping.
Front lights added on the mobile base.
LiDAR and depth camera added at the top of the frame.

Latest Version of the Concept Design (Not Final)

Robot V0 Design Concept – Front view

Robot V0 Design Concept – Back view

Designer added 2 manipulators.
Added back light.
Emergency stop button to prevent any extreme behavior. Like on a video:

Second LiDAR added.

Notes

Final design will differ from the current version:

We are currently working on compensating for motor backlash using a dual-servo design. The final arms will have a different design.
Instead of 3D LiDARs, we will likely use a combination of 2D/1D LiDARs and ultrasonic distance sensors.

Introduced Robonine V0 Research Robot

Nikita Bragin — Wed, 07 May 2025 10:10:25 +0000

The Robo 9 company introduced the Robonine V0 Research Robot. The robot is designed for research labs, schools, universities, and robotics enthusiasts. The Robonine V0 is a modular, affordable platform designed to inspire hands-on learning and innovation in STEM.

Native plug-and-play control support of all modern robotics SDKs

ROS (Melodic, Noetic, Foxy)
LeRobot (available via Hugging Face)
Mobile Aloha (see mobile-aloha.github.io)
Pi0 (Physical Intelligence’s Pi0 module)

Design Specifications

● Manipulators: Two arms, each with 7 degrees of freedom, enabling flexible and precise movements.
● Payload Capacity: Each manipulator can handle a payload of up to 3 kg, suitable for manipulating tools, sensors, and experimental components.
● Reach: The manipulators extend up to 650 mm, providing ample reach for various applications.
● Height: The robot stands at 1400 mm, ensuring compatibility with standard laboratory and classroom environments.
● Mass: Approximately 35 kg, balancing portability with stability.
● Mobility: Equipped with a wheeled base for easy navigation in dynamic workspaces.

Design Features

The Robo 9 features a sleek, vertical frame with a black and silver color scheme, designed for both functionality and aesthetics. Its wheeled base allows for mobility, while the dual manipulators with claw-like grippers are optimized for precise handling of small objects and tools.

Applications

● Research Laboratories: Facilitating experiments in robotics, automation, and human-robot interaction.
● Schools and Universities: Supporting STEM education through hands-on learning and project-based coursework.
● Enthusiasts: Providing an affordable and customizable

Expected date release: October 2025.
Price will start from $3900 for basic KIT.

Forem: Nikita Bragin