Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition)

Release

Apr 1, 2026

Price

$15,000

Connectivity

3

Status

Pre-order

Height

1.20 m

Weight

35 kg

Research Pre-order

Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition)

Menlo Research's Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) is an open-source humanoid hardware kit aimed at advanced hobbyists, developers, and research teams who want to build and modify a full humanoid robot themselves. The kit ships unassembled and includes the structural frame, actuators, motors, sensors, wiring harness, assembly manual, and build videos, with the company positioning it as a faster path into the broader Asimov full-body platform. Official materials emphasize off-the-shelf parts, simple 3D-printable components, and an open hardware/software approach intended to make repair, modification, and iteration easier than on closed commercial humanoid platforms. The official manual frames Asimov 1 around data collection, basic teleoperated walking, Cloud API custom agents, and a Virtual Asimov digital twin, with hands/grippers, advanced locomotion, and onboard training explicitly out of scope.

Listed price

$15,000

Official Asimov DIY Kit page lists a $15,000 target price and a $499 pre-order deposit, with the remaining balance due before shipment; the official Asimov v1 manual says a deposit refund can be requested with no questions asked.

Release window

Apr 1, 2026

Current status

Pre-order

Menlo Research

Last verified

May 25, 2026

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Technical overview

Core specifications and system stack

A fast read on the mechanical profile, sensing package, and platform integrations behind Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition).

Technical Specifications

Height

1.20 m

Weight

35 kg

Dimensions

DIY full-body humanoid kit with 25 + 2 degrees of freedom, 120 Nm peak torque, ships unassembled

Battery Life

Not officially disclosed

Charging Time

Not officially disclosed

Max Speed

Not officially disclosed

Operational profile

How this robot is configured

Capabilities

14

Connectivity

3

Key capabilities

DIY full-body humanoid assemblyData collection from camera, audio, IMU, and motor joint statesBasic walking through teleoperationCloud API custom agent embodimentVirtual Asimov digital twin accessOpen-source hardware modificationOpen-source software developmentOff-the-shelf parts repairability

Ecosystem fit

Menlo PlatformAsimov manualOpen supply chain components

About the Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition)

5Sensors3Protocols14Capabilities$15kListed Price

The Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) is a Research robot built by Menlo Research. Menlo Research's Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) is an open-source humanoid hardware kit aimed at advanced hobbyists, developers, and research teams who want to build and modify a full humanoid robot themselves. The kit ships unassembled and includes the structural frame, actuators, motors, sensors, wiring harness, assembly manual, and build videos, with the company positioning it as a faster path into the broader Asimov full-body platform. Official materials emphasize off-the-shelf parts, simple 3D-printable components, and an open hardware/software approach intended to make repair, modification, and iteration easier than on closed commercial humanoid platforms. The official manual frames Asimov 1 around data collection, basic teleoperated walking, Cloud API custom agents, and a Virtual Asimov digital twin, with hands/grippers, advanced locomotion, and onboard training explicitly out of scope.

At a listed price of $15,000, it positions itself in the premium segment of the research market. See all Menlo Research robots on the Menlo Research page.

Spec Breakdown

Detailed specifications for the Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition)

Height

1.20 m

At 1.20 m, the Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) is sized for its intended operating environment and use cases.

Weight

35 kg

Weighing 35 kg, the Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) balances structural integrity with portability and maneuverability.

Dimensions

DIY full-body humanoid kit with 25 + 2 degrees of freedom, 120 Nm peak torque, ships unassembled

The overall dimensions of DIY full-body humanoid kit with 25 + 2 degrees of freedom, 120 Nm peak torque, ships unassembled define the robot's physical footprint and determine what spaces it can navigate and what clearances it requires for operation.

The Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) uses Robot Cloud API/CLI for high-level agent control; Asimov API for low-level robot data and commands; Virtual Asimov and real-time teleoperation apps; on-robot pre-trained RL walking policy; custom AI agents embodied via Cloud API as its intelligence backbone. This AI platform powers the robot's decision-making, perception processing, and autonomous behavior. The sophistication of the AI stack directly impacts how well the robot handles unexpected situations and adapts to new environments.

Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) Sensor Suite

The Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) integrates 5 sensor types, forming the perceptual foundation that enables autonomous operation.

This sensor configuration enables the Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) to perceive its environment and operate autonomously in its intended use cases. Multiple sensor modalities provide redundancy and more robust perception than any single sensor type alone.

Explore sensor technologies: components glossary · full components directory

Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) Use Cases & Applications

Research robots serve as platforms for advancing robotics science and engineering. They enable researchers to test theories about locomotion, manipulation, perception, and human-robot interaction in controlled and real-world environments.

Capabilities That Enable Real-World Use

The Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) offers 14 distinct capabilities, each contributing to the robot's practical utility.

DIY full-body humanoid assembly
Data collection from camera, audio, IMU, and motor joint states
Basic walking through teleoperation
Cloud API custom agent embodiment
Virtual Asimov digital twin access
Open-source hardware modification
Open-source software development
Off-the-shelf parts repairability
3D-printable component replacement
Custom hardware and software extension
Bipedal humanoid experimentation
25 + 2 degrees of freedom
120 Nm peak torque
Direct builder support via documentation and Discord

These capabilities work together with the robot's 5 onboard sensor types and Robot Cloud API/CLI for high-level agent control; Asimov API for low-level robot data and commands; Virtual Asimov and real-time teleoperation apps; on-robot pre-trained RL walking policy; custom AI agents embodied via Cloud API AI platform to deliver practical, real-world performance.

Ecosystem Integration

The Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) integrates with the following platforms and ecosystems, extending its utility beyond standalone operation.

Menlo Platform Asimov manual Open supply chain components

This ecosystem compatibility enables the Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) to work as part of a broader automation setup rather than operating in isolation.

Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) Capabilities

14

Capabilities

5

Sensor Types

AI

Robot Cloud API/CLI for high…

DIY full-body humanoid assembly
Data collection from camera, audio, IMU, and motor joint states
Basic walking through teleoperation
Cloud API custom agent embodiment
Virtual Asimov digital twin access
Open-source hardware modification
Open-source software development
Off-the-shelf parts repairability
3D-printable component replacement
Custom hardware and software extension
Bipedal humanoid experimentation
25 + 2 degrees of freedom
120 Nm peak torque
Direct builder support via documentation and Discord

Connectivity & Integration

How the Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) communicates with your network, smart home devices, cloud services, and companion apps.

Network & Communication Protocols

✓ Wi-Fi for local network and cloud access · ✓ Bluetooth for direct device pairing — enabling the Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) to participate in various networking scenarios.

Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) Technology Stack Overview

The Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) by Menlo Research integrates 9 distinct technology components across sensing, connectivity, intelligence, and interaction layers. The physical platform features a height of 1.20 m, a weight of 35 kg, providing the foundation on which this technology stack operates.

Perception — 5 Sensor Types

The perception layer is built on Monocular camera, IMUs, Microphone, Speaker, Motor joint state sensing. These work in concert to give the robot a detailed understanding of its operating environment. This multi-sensor approach provides redundancy and enables the robot to function reliably even when individual sensors encounter challenging conditions such as low light, reflective surfaces, or cluttered spaces.

Connectivity — 3 Protocols

For communications, the Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) relies on Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ethernet. This connectivity stack ensures the robot can communicate with cloud services, local smart home devices, mobile apps, and other networked systems in its environment.

Intelligence — Robot Cloud API/CLI for high-level agent control; Asimov API for low-level robot data and commands; Virtual Asimov and real-time teleoperation apps; on-robot pre-trained RL walking policy; custom AI agents embodied via Cloud API

Robot Cloud API/CLI for high-level agent control; Asimov API for low-level robot data and commands; Virtual Asimov and real-time teleoperation apps; on-robot pre-trained RL walking policy; custom AI agents embodied via Cloud API serves as the computational brain, processing sensor data, making navigation decisions, and orchestrating the robot's autonomous behaviors. The quality of this AI platform directly influences how well the robot handles novel situations, adapts to changes in its environment, and improves its performance over time through learning.

Who Should Consider the Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition)?

Target Audience

Research robots are acquired by universities, government labs, and corporate R&D departments. They serve as experimental platforms for developing new algorithms, testing locomotion strategies, and advancing the field of robotics. Some are also used for educational purposes.

Key Considerations

Open-source software compatibility (ROS/ROS 2), sensor modularity, programmability, available SDK/API quality, community support, and published research papers using the platform are key factors. Documentation quality and the ability to modify both hardware and software are essential for research use.

Price Context

At $15k (Official Asimov DIY Kit page lists a $15,000 target price and a $499 pre-order deposit, with the remaining balance due before shipment; the official Asimov v1 manual says a deposit refund can be requested with no questions asked.), the Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) sits in the professional price tier for research robots. This price point typically includes professional support, integration services, and ongoing software updates.

Availability

Pre-order

The Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) is available for pre-order. Pre-ordering secures your position in the delivery queue, though actual ship dates may vary.

Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition): Strengths & Trade-offs

Engineering compromises and where this research robot excels

What the Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) does well

Solid sensor coverage

The Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) integrates 5 sensor types, providing good perceptual coverage for its intended applications. This sensor complement covers the essential modalities needed for effective research operation while keeping complexity manageable.

Broad capability set

With 14 distinct capabilities, the Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) is designed as a versatile platform rather than a single-task device. This breadth means the robot can handle varied scenarios and workflows, reducing the need for multiple specialized robots and increasing its utility across different situations.

What to consider carefully

Currently in pre-order

The Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) is not yet available as a finished, shipping product. While pre-ordering secures a position in the delivery queue, actual delivery timelines and final specifications should be confirmed with the manufacturer.

Note: This strengths and trade-offs assessment is based on the Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition)'s documented specifications as tracked in the ui44 database. Real-world performance depends on deployment conditions, firmware maturity, and environmental factors. For the most current information, check the Menlo Research manufacturer page or visit the official product page. Use the comparison tool to evaluate these trade-offs against competing robots in the same category.

How Research Robot Technology Works

Understanding the engineering behind this category

Research robots serve a fundamentally different purpose than commercial or consumer models. They are platforms for discovery — enabling scientists and engineers to test theories, develop algorithms, and push the boundaries of what robots can do. The technology in research robots prioritizes openness, flexibility, and access to raw data over consumer-friendly packaging or commercial reliability. Understanding this distinction is important for anyone considering a research robot platform.

Navigation & Mobility

Research robots typically expose their navigation systems at a much lower level than commercial products. Researchers can access raw sensor data, modify SLAM algorithms, implement custom path planners, and test novel navigation approaches. ROS (Robot Operating System) and ROS 2 compatibility is standard, providing a common framework for sharing navigation modules across the research community. This openness enables rapid iteration — a researcher can swap between different SLAM implementations, test new obstacle avoidance strategies, or develop entirely novel navigation paradigms without being locked into a vendor's proprietary stack.

The Role of AI

Research robots serve as physical testbeds for AI algorithms that may eventually appear in commercial products years later. Reinforcement learning, imitation learning, few-shot task learning, and human-robot interaction studies all require robot platforms that can execute AI-generated commands in the physical world. The gap between simulation (where training is cheap and fast) and reality (where physics is unforgiving) makes physical robot platforms essential for validating AI approaches. Research robots must support rapid deployment of new AI models without extensive integration work.

Sensor Fusion & Perception

Research platforms prioritize sensor modularity and data access. Standard mounting interfaces allow researchers to attach custom sensors alongside built-in ones. Raw sensor data streams (not just processed results) are accessible for developing novel perception algorithms. Precise time-stamping and synchronization across sensor streams enable accurate multi-modal fusion research. Many research robots include more sensors than strictly necessary for any single application, providing researchers with rich datasets for developing and testing new algorithms.

Power & Battery Management

Research robots balance operational runtime with practical lab use. Sessions of one to four hours are typical, with quick charging between experiments. Some research setups use tethered power for long-running experiments where battery limitations would interrupt data collection. Power monitoring and logging capabilities help researchers understand the energy costs of different behaviors and algorithms — important for developing efficient approaches that will eventually run on battery-constrained commercial systems.

Safety by Design

Research environments present unique safety challenges because robots are constantly being programmed with untested behaviors. Hardware safety limits (joint speed caps, force limits, emergency stops) must be robust regardless of software commands. Safety-rated monitored stop and speed monitoring ensure the robot cannot exceed safe operating parameters even when running experimental code. Collaborative operation standards apply when researchers work alongside the robot during experiments. Many labs implement layered safety with physical barriers for high-speed testing and open-area operation restricted to validated, lower-risk behaviors.

What's Next for Research Robots

Research robot platforms are becoming more accessible and capable. Cloud robotics enables remote experiment execution and shared datasets. Digital twins and high-fidelity simulators reduce the need for physical hardware time while improving sim-to-real transfer. Standardized benchmarks and open datasets enable fair comparison of results across labs. The democratization of robotics research — through lower-cost platforms, open-source software, and cloud infrastructure — is expanding who can contribute to advancing the field.

The Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) by Menlo Research incorporates many of these technology pillars. For a detailed look at the specific sensors and components used in the Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition), see the sensor analysis and connectivity sections above, or browse the complete components glossary for explanations of every technology used across the robotics industry.

Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) in the Research Market

How this robot compares in the research landscape

With a price point of $15,000, the Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) is squarely in the enterprise/professional segment. This pricing typically includes integration support, commercial-grade warranties, and ongoing software updates.

The Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition)'s 5 sensor types provide solid perceptual coverage for its intended use cases. This mid-range sensor suite balances cost with capability, covering the essential modalities needed for research applications.

Head-to-Head Comparisons

Side-by-side specs, capability overlap analysis, and key differentiators.

For the full picture of Menlo Research's portfolio and market strategy, visit the Menlo Research manufacturer page.

Deployment Readiness and Procurement Signals for Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition)

What the public profile tells you, and what still needs direct vendor confirmation

From a buying and rollout perspective, the Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) should be read as a research platform aimed at labs and development teams validating robotics workflows. ui44 currently tracks 14 capability signals, 5 sensor inputs, and a last verification date of 2026-05-25. That mix gives buyers a useful first-pass picture, but it is still only the public layer of due diligence, especially when procurement, uptime, and support commitments are decided directly with Menlo Research.

Commercial model

$15,000 list price

A published price gives buyers a starting point for budgeting, ROI modeling, and peer comparison before deeper vendor conversations begin.

Integration posture

3 connectivity options

The profile lists Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, plus Robot Cloud API/CLI for high-level agent control; Asimov API for low-level robot data and commands; Virtual Asimov and real-time teleoperation apps; on-robot pre-trained RL walking policy; custom AI agents embodied via Cloud API as the AI stack. That is enough to infer the basic network posture, but buyers should still confirm APIs, fleet management, and workflow integration details. ui44 currently tracks 3 declared compatibility links.

Spec disclosure

3/7 core specs public

ui44 currently has 3 of 7 core physical and operating specs filled in for this model, leaving 4 gaps that matter for deployment planning. Missing runtime, charge, speed, or payload details can materially change staffing and site-readiness assumptions.

The current profile is useful for scouting, but it still leaves meaningful operational unknowns. If this robot is heading toward a pilot or purchase discussion, the next step should be a structured vendor Q&A that fills the remaining runtime, charging, payload, safety, or integration blanks before anyone builds ROI assumptions around it.

If you want a faster apples-to-apples read, compare the Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) against nearby alternatives in ui44's compare view, then cross-check the underlying AI, sensor, and subsystem terms in the components glossary. For manufacturer-level context, the Menlo Research profile helps anchor this robot inside the wider product lineup.

Before you sign off on a pilot, confirm these points

  • Ask for real shift runtime under the intended workload, not just standby endurance.
  • Confirm how the charging workflow works in practice, including charger count, swap options, and expected downtime.
  • Verify travel speed and cycle time if the robot must keep up with people, lines, or service windows.
  • Clarify usable payload or tool-load limits before planning material handling or mounted accessories.

Owning the Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition): Setup, Maintenance & Tips

Practical guide from day one through years of ownership

Initial Setup

Research robot setup combines hardware assembly with software environment configuration. Unpack and assemble the platform following the manufacturer's documentation. Install the development framework — typically ROS or ROS 2 — and verify sensor connectivity. Calibrate all sensors using the manufacturer's tools and procedures. Set up the simulation environment (Gazebo, Isaac Sim, or equivalent) alongside the physical platform for parallel development. Establish version control for your experiment code and configuration. Document the initial calibration values and system state as your baseline for future reference. Plan network and computing infrastructure to handle the data rates your sensors will generate.

Ongoing Maintenance

Research robots need maintenance that preserves the precision required for valid experimental results. Regularly verify sensor calibration — drift in camera intrinsics or IMU biases can invalidate experiment data. Maintain clean workspace conditions to protect optical sensors. Document any hardware modifications or maintenance performed, as these can affect experimental reproducibility. Update software dependencies carefully, documenting versions used for each experiment. Joint and actuator wear in research robots that perform repetitive tasks should be monitored and factored into experimental design.

Software Updates & Long-Term Support

Research robot software updates require careful management to maintain experiment reproducibility. Document the exact software versions used for each experiment. Test updates in a separate environment before applying to your experiment platform. Contribute bug fixes and improvements back to the community when using open-source frameworks. Be aware that ROS and other framework updates may require code changes in your custom packages — budget time for integration testing after major framework updates.

Maximizing Longevity

Research robots often have longer productive lives than commercial products because they can be upgraded and repurposed. Extend your investment by maintaining clean mechanical and electrical systems, documenting all modifications for future lab members, and keeping spare parts for common wear items. When specific components become obsolete, community forums and lab networks can be valuable sources for replacements. Consider the platform's modularity when planning future research directions — a platform that can accept new sensors and actuators adapts to evolving research questions.

For Menlo Research-specific support resources and documentation, visit the Menlo Research page on ui44 or check the manufacturer's official website at Menlo Research's product page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition)?
The Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) is a Research robot made by Menlo Research. Menlo Research's Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) is an open-source humanoid hardware kit aimed at advanced hobbyists, developers, and research teams who want to build and modify a full humanoid robot themselves. The kit ships unassembled and includes the structural frame, actuators, motors, sensors, wiring harness, assembly manual, and build videos, with the company positioning it as a faster path into the broader Asimov full-body platform. Official materials emphasize off-the-shelf parts, simple 3D-printable components, and an open hardware/software approach intended to make repair, modification, and iteration easier than on closed commercial humanoid platforms. The official manual frames Asimov 1 around data collection, basic teleoperated walking, Cloud API custom agents, and a Virtual Asimov digital twin, with hands/grippers, advanced locomotion, and onboard training explicitly out of scope. It features 5 sensor types, 3 connectivity protocols, and 14 distinct capabilities.
How much does the Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) cost?
The Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) is listed at $15,000 (Official Asimov DIY Kit page lists a $15,000 target price and a $499 pre-order deposit, with the remaining balance due before shipment; the official Asimov v1 manual says a deposit refund can be requested with no questions asked.). This places it in the premium tier for research robots. Prices may vary by region and retailer.
Is the Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) available to buy?
The Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) is currently available for pre-order. Visit Menlo Research's website to reserve yours. Delivery timelines may vary by region.
What sensors does the Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) have?
The Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) is equipped with 5 sensor types: Monocular camera, IMUs, Microphone, Speaker, Motor joint state sensing. These sensors work together through sensor fusion to provide comprehensive environmental awareness for autonomous operation. See the sensor analysis section for details.
What AI does the Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) use?
The Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) is powered by Robot Cloud API/CLI for high-level agent control; Asimov API for low-level robot data and commands; Virtual Asimov and real-time teleoperation apps; on-robot pre-trained RL walking policy; custom AI agents embodied via Cloud API. This AI platform handles the robot's perception processing, decision-making, and autonomous behavior. The sophistication of the AI directly impacts how well the robot handles unexpected situations, learns from its environment, and improves over time.
How does the Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) compare to the ROBOTIS OP3?
The Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) and ROBOTIS OP3 are both research robots, but they differ in key specifications, pricing, and manufacturer approach. Use the side-by-side comparison tool to see detailed differences in specs, sensors, and capabilities. You can also browse other similar robots below.
Does the Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) work with smart home systems?
Yes, the Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) is compatible with: Menlo Platform, Asimov manual, Open supply chain components. This ecosystem integration allows the robot to work alongside your existing smart home devices and platforms rather than operating as an isolated system.
How current is the Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) data on ui44?
The Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) specifications on ui44 were last verified on 2026-05-25. All data is sourced from official Menlo Research documentation, spec sheets, and press releases. If you notice any outdated information, please let us know.

Data Integrity

All Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition) data on ui44 is verified against official Menlo Research sources, including spec sheets, product pages, and press releases. Last verified: 2026-05-25. Official source: Menlo Research product page. If you find outdated or incorrect information, please let us know — accuracy is our top priority.

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