A team from UCLA has created PhoneBot, a low-cost humanoid robot powered by an Android smartphone, aiming to make advanced robotics more accessible for education and research.
PhoneBot robot uses smartphone as core
Researchers at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) have created PhoneBot, a small humanoid robot that uses a repurposed Android smartphone as its main component. The robot can walk, see, and talk, and its design aims to make advanced robotics more affordable.Smartphone handles multiple tasks
The smartphone is fixed to PhoneBot’s torso and performs several functions, such as detecting and tracking humans, maintaining balance, and controlling movement. It sends commands via Wi-Fi to a small computer at the robot’s base, which then sends instructions to its motors. This wireless setup allows for easy upgrades and modifications.Low-cost components enable mobility
PhoneBot has thirteen motors, each costing about $23.90, with six in each leg and one in the torso. The torso motor allows the robot to rotate its upper body and move its camera independently of its legs. The team tested four different smartphones, including older models, and found they all supported basic functions like walking and interaction.PhoneBot demonstrates practical movement
In tests, PhoneBot was able to walk, follow a person, and stand up from a face-down position. The researchers hope this low-cost robot will help expand access to humanoid robots for educational and research purposes, as existing similar robots are significantly more expensive.
