Aldebaran / Maxtronics
Active
NAO6
The sixth generation of the iconic NAO humanoid robot, originally developed by Aldebaran Robotics (F
Price TBA
Research
Connectivity · What is this?
Bluetooth 4.0 (LE)
Used in 1 robot.
Recency signal: 1 verified in last 30d · 1 in last 90d
Evidence & data source
- Aggregated from each robot's `specs.connectivity` field in ui44 data.
Sample official references
- NAO6 official page (source: official product page · last verified 2026-03-26)
What Is Bluetooth 4.0 (LE)?
Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) is a connectivity component found in 1 robot tracked in the ui44 Home Robot Database. As a connectivity technology, Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) plays a specific role in enabling robot perception, interaction, or operation depending on its implementation in each platform.
Connectivity components define how a robot communicates with other devices, networks, and cloud services. These include wireless protocols (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee), wired interfaces (Ethernet, USB), and cellular connections. Connectivity determines whether a robot can receive software updates, stream data, integrate with smart home systems, and be remotely controlled.
In the ui44 database, Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) is categorized under Connectivity components, which is one of the core technology groupings used to classify robot hardware and software capabilities. It is currently implemented by Aldebaran / Maxtronics, across the Research robot category. For a comprehensive explanation of all component types and their roles in robotics, consult the components glossary.
Why Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) Matters in Robotics
A robot's connectivity stack determines its ecosystem compatibility and long-term value. Robots with broad connectivity support can integrate with more smart home platforms, receive over-the-air updates, and provide remote monitoring. Limited connectivity can mean the robot operates in isolation, cannot be updated, or requires specific hub hardware.
For robots equipped with Bluetooth 4.0 (LE), this component contributes to the overall capability stack that enables the robot to perform its intended tasks. The 1 robot using Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) span the Research category, indicating specialized use across the robotics industry.
How Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) Works
Wireless connectivity uses radio frequencies to transmit data. Wi-Fi provides high-bandwidth local network access, Bluetooth enables direct device-to-device pairing, and protocols like Zigbee and Z-Wave offer low-power mesh networking for IoT devices. Some robots also support cellular (4G/5G) for operation beyond home Wi-Fi range. The robot's firmware manages protocol switching and connection prioritization.
In the context of Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) specifically, the implementation varies by robot platform and manufacturer. Each robot integrates Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) differently depending on the overall system architecture, the robot's intended use case, and the specific tasks it needs to perform. The integration of Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) with other onboard systems — including other connectivity modules and the main processing unit — determines the real-world performance and reliability of this component.
Bluetooth 4.0 (LE): Technical Deep Dive
Beyond the high-level overview, understanding the technical foundations of connectivity technologies like Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) helps buyers and researchers evaluate implementations more critically. This section covers the engineering principles, performance characteristics, and practical limitations relevant to Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) and similar connectivity components in modern robotics.
Engineering Principles
Wireless connectivity relies on electromagnetic radiation at specific frequency bands regulated by international standards bodies. Each protocol occupies designated portions of the radio spectrum: Wi-Fi operates primarily on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands (with Wi-Fi 6E and 7 extending to 6 GHz), Bluetooth uses the 2.4 GHz ISM band with frequency hopping, Zigbee and Thread operate on 2.4 GHz with mesh networking topologies, and cellular connections use licensed spectrum bands. The physical layer handles modulation, encoding, and error correction, while upper protocol layers manage addressing, routing, security, and application data exchange.
Performance Characteristics
Connectivity performance depends on bandwidth (data transfer rate), latency (delay between sending and receiving), range (maximum distance for reliable communication), and reliability (packet loss rate and connection stability). For robotics, latency is often more critical than raw bandwidth — a remote-controlled robot needs sub-100ms latency for responsive control, while video streaming requires sustained bandwidth of several megabits per second. Range varies dramatically with environment: Wi-Fi might reach 30 meters indoors through walls but over 100 meters in open spaces. Interference from other wireless devices, microwave ovens, and neighboring networks can significantly impact real-world performance.
Technological Evolution
Robot connectivity has evolved from simple serial cable connections to sophisticated multi-protocol wireless systems. Early home robots often supported only basic infrared remote control or proprietary radio links. The adoption of standardized protocols like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth dramatically improved interoperability. The emergence of IoT-specific protocols (Zigbee, Z-Wave, Thread) enabled efficient smart home integration with low power consumption. The Matter standard, launched in 2022, represents the industry's attempt to unify smart home communication under a single application layer. For robots, this means broader ecosystem compatibility without needing to support every proprietary platform individually.
Known Limitations
Wireless connectivity faces inherent challenges in home environments. Signal attenuation through walls, floors, and ceilings can create dead zones. Interference from the growing number of wireless devices in modern homes — smart speakers, cameras, doorbells, and appliances — can degrade performance. Security is an ongoing concern: any wireless connection is a potential attack surface that must be properly encrypted and authenticated. Network dependencies also create reliability risks — a robot that requires cloud connectivity for basic functions becomes non-functional during internet outages. Battery-powered robots face additional constraints, as wireless communication is a significant power consumer.
Use Cases & Applications for Bluetooth 4.0 (LE)
Connectivity components enable robots to participate in broader networks and ecosystems. The value of connectivity extends far beyond simple data transfer — it determines how well a robot integrates into your existing technology infrastructure and how it evolves over time.
Smart Home Integration
Connectivity allows robots to communicate with other smart home devices — thermostats, lights, locks, cameras, and appliances. A well-connected robot can serve as a mobile hub or coordinator for your smart home, executing routines that involve multiple devices across different rooms.
Remote Monitoring & Control
Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity enable users to monitor and control their robot remotely via smartphone apps. This is particularly valuable for security robots, pet-monitoring robots, and home assistants, allowing owners to check in, receive alerts, and issue commands from anywhere.
Over-the-Air Updates
Network connectivity is essential for receiving firmware and software updates that improve the robot's capabilities, fix bugs, and patch security vulnerabilities. Robots without reliable connectivity may become outdated quickly and miss important safety updates.
Cloud AI Processing
Some robots offload computationally intensive AI tasks to cloud servers via network connections. This allows smaller, more affordable robots to access powerful AI capabilities like advanced natural language processing, image recognition, and complex decision-making that would be impossible with on-device hardware alone.
Multi-Robot Coordination
In commercial and industrial settings, connectivity allows multiple robots to coordinate their activities, share maps, divide tasks, and avoid interfering with each other. This fleet management capability requires reliable, low-latency communication between robots and a central coordination system.
Capabilities Enabled Across Robots With Bluetooth 4.0 (LE)
The 1 robot using Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) collectively offer 11 distinct capabilities: 25 Degrees of Freedom, Bipedal Walking, Facial Recognition, Speech Recognition & Synthesis, Sound Localization, Object Recognition, Autonomous Navigation, RoboCup Soccer, Graphical Programming (Choregraphe), Education & Research Platform, Autism Therapy Assistance. These capabilities represent the practical outcomes of integrating Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) alongside other system components. Visit each robot's detail page to see which capabilities are available on specific models.
Robots That Use Bluetooth 4.0 (LE)
Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) is implemented across 1 robot from 1 manufacturer. Below is a detailed breakdown of each robot, its key specifications, and how Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) fits into its overall connectivity stack.
NAO6
by Aldebaran / Maxtronics · Research
The sixth generation of the iconic NAO humanoid robot, originally developed by Aldebaran Robotics (France) and now manufactured by Maxtronics after Maxvision Technologies acquired Aldebaran's assets in 2025. Standing 58cm tall with 25 degrees of free…
Active
Contact sales (educational/research pricing)
Height: 58cmWeight: 5.6kgBattery: ~60–90 minutes
Released: 2018
Other connectivity components on this robot:
Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) Across Robot Categories
Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) appears in robots spanning 1 category. Understanding which types of robots adopt this technology helps contextualize its role — whether it serves primarily as a consumer convenience, an industrial necessity, or a research enabler.
Components Commonly Paired With Bluetooth 4.0 (LE)
The following components are most frequently found alongside Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) in the same robots. This co-occurrence data reveals which technologies manufacturers commonly pair together, helping you understand typical connectivity stacks and integration patterns in the robotics industry.
2 HD Cameras (forehead + mouth)
1/1 (100%)
4 Directional Microphones
1/1 (100%)
2 Ultrasonic Sensors
1/1 (100%)
Inertial Measurement Unit
1/1 (100%)
8 Force-Sensing Resistors (feet)
1/1 (100%)
2 Bumpers (feet)
1/1 (100%)
Tactile Sensors (head, hands)
1/1 (100%)
Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n)
1/1 (100%)
Ethernet
1/1 (100%)
Multilingual Text-to-Speech (2 speakers)
1/1 (100%)
Intel Atom E3845 quad-core CPU, NAOqi OS (Linux-based)
1/1 (100%)
Browse the full components directory or see the components glossary for detailed explanations of each technology.
Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) in the Broader Robotics Industry
Robot connectivity is evolving rapidly as the smart home ecosystem matures and new wireless standards emerge. The shift from Wi-Fi 5 to Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 promises better performance in dense device environments typical of modern smart homes. Matter, the unified smart home protocol backed by Apple, Google, Amazon, and Samsung, is poised to simplify robot integration with the broader smart home ecosystem. Meanwhile, 5G connectivity is opening new possibilities for robots that operate beyond the home — delivery robots, outdoor security platforms, and commercial service robots that need reliable high-bandwidth connections over wide areas. Thread and Zigbee continue to serve as efficient protocols for low-power device coordination. For robot manufacturers, supporting the right mix of connectivity protocols is a strategic decision that determines ecosystem compatibility and long-term product viability.
Within this evolving landscape, Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) represents one component in the broader connectivity technology stack. Its adoption by 1 robot from 1 manufacturer in the ui44 database provides a data-driven snapshot of real-world industry adoption patterns.
Certifications & Standards
Robots that incorporate Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) carry the following certifications and standards compliance: CE. These certifications indicate compliance with safety, electromagnetic compatibility, and quality standards relevant to the markets where these robots are sold.
Integration & Ecosystem Compatibility
When evaluating robots with Bluetooth 4.0 (LE), understanding the broader technology ecosystem is essential. Here is what robots using Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) support in terms of platform compatibility, voice integration, and AI capabilities.
Platform Compatibility
- NAOqi SDK
- Choregraphe
- Python SDK
- ROS
- Microsoft Robotics Studio
- Webots
Voice Platforms
Alternatives to Bluetooth 4.0 (LE)
The ui44 database tracks 88 other connectivity components alongside Bluetooth 4.0 (LE). Choosing between connectivity technologies depends on your specific use case, the robot platform you are evaluating, and how the component integrates with the rest of the robot's technology stack. Below are the most widely adopted alternatives in the same connectivity category, ranked by the number of robots using each component.
Wi-Fi
65 robots
Ethernet
30 robots · 1 also use Bluetooth 4.0 (LE)
Bluetooth
29 robots
Bluetooth 5.2
7 robots
Wi-fi 6
7 robots
5G
3 robots
Cellular
3 robots
USB
3 robots
Browse all Connectivity components or use the robot comparison tool to evaluate how different connectivity configurations perform across specific robot models.
Buyer Considerations for Bluetooth 4.0 (LE)
If Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) is an important factor in your robot selection, here are key considerations to guide your decision.
Key connectivity factors to evaluate: (1) Wi-Fi version and band support — dual-band (2.4/5 GHz) is preferred for reliability, (2) smart home integration — does it work with your existing ecosystem (Alexa, Google Home, HomeKit), (3) range and reliability — important for large homes or outdoor robots, and (4) data privacy — does the robot require cloud connectivity to function, or can it operate locally.
Availability of Robots With Bluetooth 4.0 (LE)
Currently, 1 of 1 robots with Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) is available for purchase or actively deployed: NAO6. Check each robot's detail page for the latest availability and purchasing information.
How to Evaluate Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) in a Robot
- Integration quality: A component is only as good as its integration. Check how the manufacturer has incorporated Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) into the overall robot design and software stack.
- Complementary components: Review what other connectivity technologies are paired with Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) in each robot — see the related components section above.
- Category fit: Make sure the robot's category matches your use case. Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) serves different roles in different robot types.
- Manufacturer track record: Consider the manufacturer's reputation for software updates, support, and component reliability.
Compare Before You Buy
Use the ui44 comparison tool to evaluate robots with Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) side by side. Pay attention to the full specification sheet, not just individual components, to ensure the robot meets your overall requirements.
Maintenance & Longevity: Bluetooth 4.0 (LE)
Overview
Connectivity components are generally among the most reliable parts of a robot, as they consist entirely of solid-state electronics with no moving parts. However, the evolving nature of wireless standards and smart home ecosystems means that connectivity capabilities can become outdated even while the hardware continues to function perfectly.
Durability & Reliability
Wireless radio hardware (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee modules) is extremely durable under normal operating conditions. These components typically outlast the useful life of the robot itself. Antenna placement and design affect long-term reliability — internal antennas are protected from damage but may offer slightly less range than external designs. Connectors for wired interfaces (USB, Ethernet) can wear over many plug-unplug cycles. Environmental factors rarely affect wireless components, though extreme heat can reduce radio performance and battery-powered wireless modules may see range reduction as battery voltage drops.
Ongoing Maintenance
Connectivity components require minimal physical maintenance. The primary ongoing concern is software-level maintenance: keeping firmware updated, managing Wi-Fi network changes (new router, changed password), and maintaining compatibility with evolving smart home platforms. When a robot has trouble connecting, the issue is almost always software or network configuration rather than hardware failure. Periodically checking for firmware updates and ensuring the robot's network settings match your current infrastructure prevents most connectivity issues.
Future-Proofing Considerations
Connectivity is an area where future-proofing requires particular attention. Wireless standards evolve: Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 offer significant improvements over older standards, and a robot purchased with Wi-Fi 5 may not benefit from a new router upgrade. The Matter smart home standard is still maturing, and early implementations may have compatibility gaps. When possible, choose robots with proven support for current-generation wireless standards and manufacturers that demonstrate a commitment to ongoing software updates. Robots that support multiple connectivity protocols offer more flexibility as the ecosystem evolves.
For the 1 robot in the ui44 database using Bluetooth 4.0 (LE), we recommend checking the individual robot pages for manufacturer-specific maintenance guidance and support documentation. Each manufacturer has different support policies, update frequencies, and warranty terms that affect the long-term ownership experience of their connectivity technologies.
Troubleshooting & Common Issues: Bluetooth 4.0 (LE)
Connectivity issues can make even the most capable robot frustrating to use. Wi-Fi drops, Bluetooth pairing failures, and smart home integration problems are among the most commonly reported issues. The good news is that most connectivity problems stem from network configuration rather than robot hardware, making them resolvable without manufacturer support.
Robot frequently disconnects from Wi-Fi
Likely causes: Weak signal strength is the primary cause, especially when the robot operates far from the router or behind thick walls. Network congestion from too many connected devices, router firmware issues, and interference from neighboring Wi-Fi networks on the same channel can also cause intermittent drops. Some robots struggle with dual-band routers that use the same SSID for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
Resolution: Check Wi-Fi signal strength at the robot's dock location and common operating areas using a phone Wi-Fi analyzer app. Move the router or add a mesh Wi-Fi node to improve coverage in weak areas. If your router broadcasts a single SSID for both bands, try creating separate SSIDs and connecting the robot to the 2.4 GHz network, which offers better range through walls. Ensure your router firmware is current.
Robot does not appear in smart home platform
Likely causes: Account linking between the robot manufacturer's app and the smart home platform may have expired or failed. The robot and smart home hub may be on different network subnets or VLANs that block device discovery. Some smart home integrations require the robot to be running specific firmware versions.
Resolution: Unlink and re-link the robot's account in the smart home platform settings. Verify that the robot and smart home hub are on the same local network and subnet. Check the manufacturer's compatibility notes for your specific smart home platform version. Restart both the robot and the smart home hub after re-linking.
Bluetooth pairing fails repeatedly
Likely causes: Previous pairing records may be corrupted on either the robot or the phone. Distance or physical obstructions between the phone and robot during pairing can cause failures. Some phones have aggressive Bluetooth power management that disconnects low-energy peripherals.
Resolution: Remove the robot from your phone's Bluetooth paired devices list and factory reset the robot's Bluetooth connection through its settings menu. Keep the phone within one meter of the robot during pairing. Disable battery optimization for the robot's companion app to prevent the system from killing background Bluetooth connections.
When to contact the manufacturer
Contact the manufacturer if the robot cannot maintain any Wi-Fi connection even when positioned next to the router, if the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth module appears completely non-functional, or if connectivity issues begin suddenly after a firmware update. Hardware-level radio failures are rare but do occur and require professional repair.
For model-specific troubleshooting, visit the individual robot pages for the 1 robot using Bluetooth 4.0 (LE). Each manufacturer provides model-specific support resources and diagnostic tools for their connectivity implementations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bluetooth 4.0 (LE)
What is Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) in robotics?
Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) is a connectivity component used in 1 robot tracked in the ui44 Home Robot Database. It falls under the Connectivity category, which encompasses technologies that allow robots to communicate with networks and other devices. Visit the components glossary for a complete guide to robot component types.
Which robots use Bluetooth 4.0 (LE)?
Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) is used in 1 robot from 1 manufacturer: NAO6 (Aldebaran / Maxtronics). See the full list in the robots section above.
What types of robots typically use Bluetooth 4.0 (LE)?
Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) is found across 1 robot category: Research. Its presence in the Research category indicates specialized use within that domain.
How much do robots with Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) cost?
Currently, none of the robots with Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) list public pricing. This is typical for enterprise, research, or development-stage robots. Contact the manufacturers directly for pricing information.
Can I buy a robot with Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) today?
Yes — 1 robot with Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) is currently available or actively deployed: NAO6. Visit each robot's page for purchasing details.
What other components are commonly used with Bluetooth 4.0 (LE)?
The most common components paired with Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) include: 2 HD Cameras (forehead + mouth) (1 of 1 robots), 4 Directional Microphones (1 of 1 robots), 2 Ultrasonic Sensors (1 of 1 robots), Inertial Measurement Unit (1 of 1 robots), 8 Force-Sensing Resistors (feet) (1 of 1 robots). See the full co-occurrence analysis above.
What type of component is Bluetooth 4.0 (LE)?
Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) is classified as a Connectivity in the ui44 database. Connectivity components enable robots to communicate with networks, cloud services, smart home systems, and other devices. Browse all Connectivity components in the database.
Does Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) require maintenance?
Connectivity components like Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) are solid-state electronics that require virtually no physical maintenance. The primary maintenance consideration is keeping the robot's firmware updated to maintain compatibility with evolving network standards and smart home platforms. If you experience connectivity issues, they are almost always software or network configuration related rather than hardware failures. See the maintenance and longevity section for detailed guidance.
What are alternatives to Bluetooth 4.0 (LE)?
The ui44 database tracks 3 different connectivity components across all robots. Alternatives to Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) depend on your specific use case and the robot platform you are considering. The related components section above shows which other connectivity technologies are frequently paired with Bluetooth 4.0 (LE), and the Connectivity components directory provides a complete listing of all tracked connectivity technologies. Use the robot comparison tool to evaluate how different connectivity configurations perform in practice.
How current is the Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) data on ui44?
All component data on ui44 is derived from verified robot specifications. The most recent verification for a robot using Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) was on 2026-03-26. Robot data is periodically re-verified against manufacturer sources to ensure accuracy. Each robot page shows its individual "last verified" date.
Data Integrity
Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) data on ui44 is derived from verified robot specifications, official manufacturer documentation, and press releases. Most recent robot verification: 2026-03-26. Component associations are automatically extracted from each robot's spec sheet and normalized for consistency across the database.
Source: ui44 Home Robot Database · 1 robot tracked · Browse all components · Components glossary · Full robot directory
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