Kibrel is planned in small steps that each have to work before the next one starts. Two are done. No dates are promised.
Done · October 2026
The name Kibrel, the project plan, and the rules for building it safely.
Done · October 2026
A controller that is the only code allowed to move the robot, limits on every joint, an emergency stop, four gestures, and 14 automatic tests. It runs against a simulated robot, so it can be developed before any part arrives.
Next · Step 1 · not started
A Raspberry Pi with a USB microphone and speaker. The goal: Kibrel hears a short sentence, turns it into text, and answers aloud.
Step 2
A servo board and four small motors on their own power supply: head pan, head tilt, left arm, right arm. Each joint's safe range is measured on the bench, with nothing attached, before the head or arms go on.
Step 3
A light shell in cardboard or foamboard, with the wires protected and no pinch points. Then the first photo and video.
Step 4
A consistent character, short conversations, memory only of what you allow, and a small set of approved skills such as reminders.
Later
An optional camera, so it can turn toward the person speaking. Added only after hearing, speaking and moving are reliable.
Research, not promised
Hands that grip, and eventually walking. These need far more engineering and safety work, and are ideas to study, not commitments.
The first robot
| Part | Plan |
|---|---|
| Size | About 8 to 12 inches tall. Sits on a table and does not walk |
| Brain | A Raspberry Pi. Heavier thinking can run on a nearby computer |
| Movement | Four small servo motors: head pan, head tilt, two arms |
| Hearing and voice | A USB microphone and a small speaker |
| Sight | An optional camera, later |
| Body | Cardboard or foamboard first, a printed shell later |