Otto DIY is the programmable robot for all ages. Program Otto to think and act autonomously, or write programs unique to your Otto’s personality. Whatever you decide, this programmable robot is ready to learn.

What is a programmable robot?

In 1920, Karel Čapek introduced the English language and science fiction as a whole to the term “robot”, bringing artificial automata to life in a fictional humanoid-like creature. In his play, Rossum’s Universal Robots (R.U.R.), Karel credits his brother Josef Čapek for coining the term of what became the world’s first depiction of robots with artificial intelligence.

The “robots” we know of today are machines that can perform tasks (or a series of tasks) automatically. The term itself now covers a wide range of devices, which generally possess functions for controlling actions, receiving sensory feedback, and processing information.

Programmable robots (like Otto DIY) can be guided with control devices that are either external or built into the robot itself. These types of robots can be fully autonomous, or they can follow strict rulesets according to their programming. Otto programmable robot kits allow for either: give life to Otto with artificial intelligence, or program unique activities for Otto to carry out.

Meet Otto: the DIY programmable robot

Otto is the DIY programmable robot for robot enthusiasts of all ages and experience. 3D printable, buildable, and programmable, Otto entertains in a multitude of ways. 3D print the parts that make up Otto, or use one of our Otto kits to start construction immediately.

When built, Otto becomes a fully programmable robot with open source software and apps. Download functions developed by the Otto community, or put your programming skills to the test and write your own code for Otto. Share with other builders, or simply show off.

Program Otto with Arduino, Blockly, Python or other advanced programming languages. Choose what’s best for you depending on your level of expertise, your goals, and what you imagine for your Otto. This programmable robot will adapt to you and any special requests you might have.

A 3D printable robot

There are two different kits for building Otto, the Builder’s Kit (with all the parts for assembly), or Otto’s Maker Kits (for 3D printing Otto). The Maker Kits include all of the electrical components you need to make Otto, while you can use the free .STL files in our full documentation to 3D print all of Otto’s plastic parts. Common parameters and recommendations include the following.

• Suggested use of an FDM 3D printer with PLA material.
• No need for supports or rafts.
• Resolution: 0.20 mm. 
• Fill density 20%.

All parts require approximately 115 grams, equivalent to 14.5m of regular thickness, which takes around 8 hours to 3D print a full set. With a proper 3D printer and fully optimized settings, the time required can shrink by up to 50%.

A buildable robot

Follow the simple instruction manuals to assemble Otto, starting with the electronics and finishing with the casing. In each Otto kit, you’ll find:

• 1 x Nano ATmega328
• 1 x Nano I/O shield
• 1 x USB-A to Mini-USB Cable
• 1 x Ultrasound sensor HC-SR04
• 4 x Micro servo SG90 9g
• 1 x Buzzer
• 6 x Female/Female Dupont Wires
• 1 x AA Battery holder
• 4 x AA Batteries
• 1 x Toggle Switch
• Small Phillips screwdriver
• Extra screws
• 1 x Otto Head (Builder’s Kit)
• 1 x Otto Body (Builder’s Kit)
• 2 x Legs (Builder’s Kit)
• 1 x Foot Left (Builder’s Kit)
• 1 x Foot Right (Builder’s Kit)

Tools:

• Computer
• Scissors or pliers

A programmable robot for all ages and levels of knowledge

After construction, you now have a programmable robot ready and waiting to come to life. From here, there are two options to program Otto. For beginners, there is the simple, visual programming software Blockly. For more advanced programmers, you can use Arduino IDE.

Programming in Blockly (for beginners)

Otto Blockly is completely autonomous. It requires no need for Arduino IDE, no libraries set up, and no Internet access after installation.

If just learning how to code or introducing yourself to programming, Blockly is a fun and easy way to get you and your Otto on the move in no time. 

Programming in Arduino

For more advanced builders, this programmable robot also communicates in Arduino IDE. Simply download Arduino IDE software for free and install it to your device.

You can then download all of the existing Otto libraries to get started. For complete instructions, find more assistance in Otto’s full documentation.

Program Otto to walk, dance, sound off, and avoid obstacles

Teach Otto to walk, dance, sound off, avoid obstacles, and more. This programmable robot can respond to stimuli in its environment, and you can even teach Otto how to synchronize with other Ottos.

Program your own little team of robots for an epic dance battle, or control and play with Otto from your mobile phone with our Bluetooth app for Android and iOS.

To meet Otto and others builders around the world

Contact us to discover our growing family of Otto robots for yourself. Our active community is growing by the day, and they’d love to have you on board. Design, personalize, and share your Otto builds, and start contributing to this open source programmable robot project today.