What happens when you mix pop culture, creative tech, and a dash of childlike wonder? You get Otto Pikachu—a fully functional robot born from an AI-generated sketch and brought to life with 3D printing, modular electronics, and visual coding.
This project started as a playful experiment. Could we use our HP Otto robotics kit to build a character that kids already love? Could we turn an AI concept into a real, moving robot? The answer: yes. And it blinks when you get close.
This is still an exercise, but it’s a powerful proof of concept: a glimpse into how robotics and design are being democratized. With intuitive design platforms and accessible hardware, creativity is no longer limited to professionals—it’s open to everyone, especially young creators.
🧠 From Idea to AI Sketch
We kicked things off by asking ChatGPT to imagine a Pikachu-inspired robot. The result was a quirky:
I had to refine it to fit Otto cubical design with glowing cheeks, ultrasonic “eyes,” and a playful stance. It wasn’t perfect—but it sparked something.
With couple of iterations we got pretty close to a render that could be replicated in 3D:
💯 Make it real!
We refined the concept using Makers Empire, a kid-friendly 3D modeling tool, and prepared the parts for printing on a Prusa 3D printer. The goal: keep it simple, snappy, and modular enough for classroom builds.
🛠️ The Build Process
I started preparing all the STL files in PrusaSlicer to 3D printe all the parts no supports needed and with simple default settings:
Otto Pikachu was assembled using modular components from our HP Otto kit. Here’s the breakdown:
- 🧠 Installed the brain (main board) with battery
- 🔩 Locked in motors and wheels
- 👀 Slid in ultrasonic sensor
- 🔌 Connected electronics with clip cables
- 🎨 Put in the RGB Pokéball diffuser
- 🛠️ Tightened screws and sealed the body
- 🐭 Popped in the iconic ears
- ✅ Compared to the AI render—nailed it!
The final robot is coded by HP’s Otto coding blocks, which allow kids to program movement, obstacle avoidance, and light reactions using a visual web interface.
🔍 Key Features
- 👾 Ultrasonic obstacle detection
- 💡 Color-reactive RGB LED rings
- 🧠 AI-generated design
- 🛠️ Real-time coding with Otto’s visual blocks
- 📦 Snap-fit assembly and modular components
- 🖨️ Classroom-friendly 3D printing workflow
🎓 Why It Matters
Otto Pikachu isn’t just a fun build—it’s a proof of concept for how robotics can be made accessible, modular, and emotionally engaging. It shows how:
- AI can inspire design
- 3D printing can bring ideas to life
- Visual coding can empower young learners
- Pop culture can drive engagement in STEM
It’s fast, accessible, and powered by creativity.. We’ve used this build to spark conversations in classrooms, Fab Labs, and maker communities around the world.
🚀 What’s Next?
We’re working on more practical activities like this to help others build their own Pokemon—or remix it into something new. Coming soon:
- 💡 How to convert AI images into CAD
- 🔧 Coding walkthroughs with Otto Blockly
- 🖨️ Fast, rule-aware 3D printing workflows
- 🎨 Remix challenge with Printables!
Want to collaborate or feature Otto in your classroom or event? Do you want the source files? Drop us a ⚡ or reach out—we’re building a global community around creative robotics.
Let’s reimagine what robotics can be!
For more information about Otto please visit hprobots.com