Commercial model
$13,764.35 list price
A published price gives buyers a starting point for budgeting, ROI modeling, and peer comparison before deeper vendor conversations begin.
Release
TBD
Price
$13,764
Connectivity
3
Status
Available
Height
About 510 mm
Weight
About 3.5 kg (without skin cover)
Battery
Hot-swappable LiPo packs (runtime not officially specified)
Research
Available
ROBOTIS OP3
ROBOTIS OP3 is a miniature open-platform humanoid intended for robotics research and education. It is the successor to DARwIn-OP/OP2 and moves to XM430-W350 actuators plus an Intel NUC i3 controller, with ROS/ROS 2 oriented development. The platform is designed for locomotion, perception, and manipulation experiments with 20 DoF, onboard IMU sensing, and a Logitech C920 camera. ROBOTIS documents battery hot-swap support so labs can continue operation while changing packs.
Listed price
$13,764
Official ROBOTIS US store listing shows $13,764.35
Release window
TBD
Current status
Available
ROBOTIS
Last verified
Mar 10, 2026
Share this robot
Open a plain share composer on X or Bluesky for this robot profile.
Technical overview
Core specifications and system stack
A fast read on the mechanical profile, sensing package, and platform integrations behind ROBOTIS OP3.
Technical Specifications
Height
About 510 mm
Weight
About 3.5 kg (without skin cover)
Dimensions
Humanoid form factor; approx. 510 mm height
Battery Life
Hot-swappable LiPo packs (runtime not officially specified)
Charging Time
Not disclosed
Max Speed
Not disclosed
Tech Components
Operational profile
How this robot is configured
Capabilities
6
Connectivity
3
Key capabilities
Bipedal locomotion researchHumanoid gait and control experimentsComputer vision researchROS/ROS 2 software developmentEducation and competition prototypingBattery hot swap for continuous sessions
Ecosystem fit
ROSROS 2DYNAMIXEL SDKLinux (32/64-bit)Windows (32/64-bit)
Explore further
Benchmark set
Compare with similar robots
Shortcuts to the closest alternatives in the current ui44 set.
Research
AI Sapiens K0
ROBOTIS
Price TBA
Development
Status differs: Available vs DevelopmentWeight is 30.5 kg heavier1 shared capability
Compare side by side
Research
NAO6
Aldebaran / Maxtronics
$16,990
Active
Price is 3,226 USD higherWeight is 2.1 kg heavier1 shared connectivity protocol
Compare side by side
Research
Asimov DIY Kit (Here Be Dragons Edition)
Menlo Research
$15,000
Pre-order
Price is 1,236 USD higherWeight is 31.5 kg heavierStatus differs: Available vs Pre-order
Compare side by side
Research
QTrobot
LuxAI
$10,900
Available
Price is 2,864 USD lowerWeight is 1.5 kg heavier2 shared connectivity protocols
Compare side by side
Coverage
Related Articles
Reporting and explainers linked to ROBOTIS OP3.
About the ROBOTIS OP3
4Sensors3Protocols6Capabilities$13.8kListed Price
The ROBOTIS OP3 is a Research robot built by ROBOTIS. ROBOTIS OP3 is a miniature open-platform humanoid intended for robotics research and education. It is the successor to DARwIn-OP/OP2 and moves to XM430-W350 actuators plus an Intel NUC i3 controller, with ROS/ROS 2 oriented development. The platform is designed for locomotion, perception, and manipulation experiments with 20 DoF, onboard IMU sensing, and a Logitech C920 camera. ROBOTIS documents battery hot-swap support so labs can continue operation while changing packs.
At a listed price of $13,764.35, it positions itself in the premium segment of the research market. See all ROBOTIS robots on the ROBOTIS page.
Spec Breakdown
Detailed specifications for the ROBOTIS OP3
Height
About 510 mmAt About 510 mm, the ROBOTIS OP3 is sized for its intended operating environment and use cases.
Weight
About 3.5 kg (without skin cover)Weighing About 3.5 kg (without skin cover), the ROBOTIS OP3 balances structural integrity with portability and maneuverability.
Dimensions
Humanoid form factor; approx. 510 mm heightThe overall dimensions of Humanoid form factor; approx. 510 mm height define the robot's physical footprint and determine what spaces it can navigate and what clearances it requires for operation.
Battery Life
Hot-swappable LiPo packs (runtime not officially specified)With a battery life of Hot-swappable LiPo packs (runtime not officially specified), the ROBOTIS OP3 can operate for sustained periods before requiring a recharge. Battery life is measured under typical operating conditions and may vary based on workload intensity and environmental factors.
The ROBOTIS OP3 uses Intel NUC i3 onboard compute, ROS/ROS 2 + DYNAMIXEL SDK development stack 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.
ROBOTIS OP3 Sensor Suite
The ROBOTIS OP3 integrates 4 sensor types, forming the perceptual foundation that enables autonomous operation.
Logitech C920 HD Pro Webcam
Details →
3-axis gyroscope
Details →
3-axis accelerometer
Details →
3-axis magnetometer
Details →
This sensor configuration enables the ROBOTIS OP3 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
ROBOTIS OP3 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 ROBOTIS OP3 offers 6 distinct capabilities, each contributing to the robot's practical utility.
Bipedal locomotion research
Humanoid gait and control experiments
Computer vision research
ROS/ROS 2 software development
Education and competition prototyping
Battery hot swap for continuous sessions
These capabilities work together with the robot's 4 onboard sensor types and Intel NUC i3 onboard compute, ROS/ROS 2 + DYNAMIXEL SDK development stack AI platform to deliver practical, real-world performance.
Ecosystem Integration
The ROBOTIS OP3 integrates with the following platforms and ecosystems, extending its utility beyond standalone operation.
ROS
ROS 2
DYNAMIXEL SDK
Linux (32/64-bit)
Windows (32/64-bit)
This ecosystem compatibility enables the ROBOTIS OP3 to work as part of a broader automation setup rather than operating in isolation.
ROBOTIS OP3 Capabilities
6
Capabilities
4
Sensor Types
AI
Intel NUC i3 onboard compute…
Bipedal locomotion research
Humanoid gait and control experiments
Computer vision research
ROS/ROS 2 software development
Education and competition prototyping
Battery hot swap for continuous sessions
Connectivity & Integration
How the ROBOTIS OP3 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 ROBOTIS OP3 to participate in various networking scenarios.
ROBOTIS OP3 Technology Stack Overview
The ROBOTIS OP3 by ROBOTIS integrates 8 distinct technology components across sensing, connectivity, intelligence, and interaction layers. The physical platform features a height of About 510 mm, a weight of About 3.5 kg (without skin cover), providing the foundation on which this technology stack operates.
Perception — 4 Sensor Types
The perception layer is built on Logitech C920 HD Pro Webcam, 3-axis gyroscope, 3-axis accelerometer, 3-axis magnetometer. 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
Intelligence — Intel NUC i3 onboard compute, ROS/ROS 2 + DYNAMIXEL SDK development stack
Intel NUC i3 onboard compute, ROS/ROS 2 + DYNAMIXEL SDK development stack 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 ROBOTIS OP3?
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 $13.8k (Official ROBOTIS US store listing shows $13,764.35), the ROBOTIS OP3 sits in the professional price tier for research robots. This price point typically includes professional support, integration services, and ongoing software updates.
Availability
AvailableThe ROBOTIS OP3 is currently available for purchase. Check the manufacturer's website or authorized retailers for the latest stock and ordering information.
ROBOTIS OP3: Strengths & Trade-offs
Engineering compromises and where this research robot excels
What the ROBOTIS OP3 does well
Solid sensor coverage
The ROBOTIS OP3 integrates 4 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 6 distinct capabilities, the ROBOTIS OP3 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.
Currently available
Unlike many robots that remain in development or prototype stages, the ROBOTIS OP3 is available for purchase today. This means you can evaluate the actual shipping product rather than making decisions based on projected specifications that may change before release.
Note: This strengths and trade-offs assessment is based on the ROBOTIS OP3'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 ROBOTIS 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 ROBOTIS OP3 by ROBOTIS incorporates many of these technology pillars. For a detailed look at the specific sensors and components used in the ROBOTIS OP3, see the sensor analysis and connectivity sections above, or browse the complete components glossary for explanations of every technology used across the robotics industry.
ROBOTIS OP3 in the Research Market
How this robot compares in the research landscape
With a price point of $13,764.35, the ROBOTIS OP3 is squarely in the enterprise/professional segment. This pricing typically includes integration support, commercial-grade warranties, and ongoing software updates.
The ROBOTIS OP3's 4 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.
Being currently available for purchase gives the ROBOTIS OP3 a practical advantage over competitors still in development or prototype stages. Buyers can evaluate the actual product rather than relying on spec-sheet promises that may change before release.
Head-to-Head Comparisons
Side-by-side specs, capability overlap analysis, and key differentiators.
For the full picture of ROBOTIS's portfolio and market strategy, visit the ROBOTIS manufacturer page.
Deployment Readiness and Procurement Signals for ROBOTIS OP3
What the public profile tells you, and what still needs direct vendor confirmation
From a buying and rollout perspective, the ROBOTIS OP3 should be read as a research platform aimed at labs and development teams validating robotics workflows. ui44 currently tracks 6 capability signals, 4 sensor inputs, and a last verification date of 2026-03-10. 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 ROBOTIS.
Integration posture
3 connectivity options
The profile lists Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, plus Intel NUC i3 onboard compute, ROS/ROS 2 + DYNAMIXEL SDK development stack 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 5 declared compatibility links.
Spec disclosure
4/7 core specs public
ui44 currently has 4 of 7 core physical and operating specs filled in for this model, leaving 3 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 ROBOTIS OP3 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 ROBOTIS profile helps anchor this robot inside the wider product lineup.
Before you sign off on a pilot, confirm these points
- 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.
- Check what safety, electrical, or deployment certifications exist for the region and task you care about.
Owning the ROBOTIS OP3: 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 ROBOTIS-specific support resources and documentation, visit the ROBOTIS page on ui44 or check the manufacturer's official website at ROBOTIS's product page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ROBOTIS OP3?
The ROBOTIS OP3 is a Research robot made by ROBOTIS. ROBOTIS OP3 is a miniature open-platform humanoid intended for robotics research and education. It is the successor to DARwIn-OP/OP2 and moves to XM430-W350 actuators plus an Intel NUC i3 controller, with ROS/ROS 2 oriented development. The platform is designed for locomotion, perception, and manipulation experiments with 20 DoF, onboard IMU sensing, and a Logitech C920 camera. ROBOTIS documents battery hot-swap support so labs can continue operation while changing packs. It features 4 sensor types, 3 connectivity protocols, and 6 distinct capabilities.
How much does the ROBOTIS OP3 cost?
The ROBOTIS OP3 is listed at $13,764.35 (Official ROBOTIS US store listing shows $13,764.35). This places it in the premium tier for research robots. Prices may vary by region and retailer.
Is the ROBOTIS OP3 available to buy?
Yes, the ROBOTIS OP3 is currently available for purchase. Check ROBOTIS's official website or authorized retailers for the latest stock and ordering options.
What sensors does the ROBOTIS OP3 have?
The ROBOTIS OP3 is equipped with 4 sensor types: Logitech C920 HD Pro Webcam, 3-axis gyroscope, 3-axis accelerometer, 3-axis magnetometer. These sensors work together through sensor fusion to provide comprehensive environmental awareness for autonomous operation. See the sensor analysis section for details.
How long does the ROBOTIS OP3 battery last?
The ROBOTIS OP3 has a rated battery life of Hot-swappable LiPo packs (runtime not officially specified). Actual battery performance may vary based on usage intensity, ambient temperature, and specific tasks being performed. Heavy workloads like continuous navigation and sensor processing will consume battery faster than idle or standby modes.
What AI does the ROBOTIS OP3 use?
The ROBOTIS OP3 is powered by Intel NUC i3 onboard compute, ROS/ROS 2 + DYNAMIXEL SDK development stack. 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 ROBOTIS OP3 compare to the AI Sapiens K0?
The ROBOTIS OP3 and AI Sapiens K0 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 ROBOTIS OP3 work with smart home systems?
Yes, the ROBOTIS OP3 is compatible with: ROS, ROS 2, DYNAMIXEL SDK, Linux (32/64-bit), Windows (32/64-bit). 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 ROBOTIS OP3 data on ui44?
The ROBOTIS OP3 specifications on ui44 were last verified on 2026-03-10. All data is sourced from official ROBOTIS documentation, spec sheets, and press releases. If you notice any outdated information, please let us know.
Data Integrity
All ROBOTIS OP3 data on ui44 is verified against official ROBOTIS sources, including spec sheets, product pages, and press releases. Last verified: 2026-03-10. Official source: ROBOTIS product page. If you find outdated or incorrect information, please let us know — accuracy is our top priority.
Explore More on ui44
Manufacturer
Category
Explore more research robots
See how the ROBOTIS OP3 stacks up — compare specs, browse the research category, or search the full database.