Nori Robotics Launches $1,688 Humanoid Robot for Developers
Affordable bimanual robot aims to democratize robotics research and development.
1The Problem in Robotics Research
Antonio from Nori Robotics identified a major pain point while conducting research at Columbia University. Most labs only have access to one or two expensive robots, making it difficult to collect large datasets, run lengthy experiments, or test across multiple units. This limitation significantly slows down robotics innovation and accessibility for researchers and developers.
2Nori's Affordable Solution
Nori Robotics developed a bimanual mobile robot priced at just $1,688, dramatically lower than existing options. The robot features 19 degrees of freedom, two 7+1 DOF arms with 1.5 kg payload capacity each, and a 55 kg telescoping lift. This makes it suitable for various research and development applications while remaining accessible to individual developers and smaller labs.
3Key Hardware Specifications
The Nori robot boasts impressive specs including a differential wheeled base, four 720p RGB cameras, 2D lidar, and a dual microphone array. It runs on a Raspberry Pi 5 with 4GB RAM, handling SLAM and safety features onboard. For more complex tasks, ACT and VLAs can be processed remotely via LAN or WAN connections, offering flexibility in computational requirements.
4Cost-Reduction Engineering
Achieving the sub-$2,000 price point required innovative engineering solutions. The team used high-ratio servos instead of more expensive QDD motors and opted for a wheel base rather than legs. They also designed the robot with over 100 moving and structural parts to be easily manufactured and repaired in San Francisco, including providing 3D files for printed repairs.
5Software Ecosystem
Nori provides an open SDK with teleoperation and demonstration tools, available on GitHub. They've also developed a browser-based simulator allowing potential users to test the robot virtually. This comprehensive software support makes the platform more accessible to developers and accelerates the learning curve for new users.
6Current Capabilities
The hardware already supports basic tasks like cleaning, opening drawers, restocking shelves, and even pouring beers. These capabilities demonstrate the robot's potential for both research and practical applications. Early adopters can immediately begin working with the platform while more advanced features continue to be developed.
7Business Model
Nori generates revenue through hardware sales at $1,688 per unit, with optional paid software offerings. Parts of the hardware are open source, encouraging community development and customization. This approach balances affordability with potential for premium features and services as the platform matures.
8Future Vision
Nori Robotics aims to eventually enable users without robotics experience to teach tasks to their robots and share them with other owners. This democratization of robotics could lead to an ecosystem of user-generated capabilities, significantly expanding the platform's potential applications beyond what the original developers envision.