Nybble: World's Cutest Open Source Robotic Cat
Nybble: World's Cutest Open Source Robotic Cat
Nybble makes programming and robotics fun to learn and understand, all in one cute package!
Who is Nybble ?
Nybble is not only a robotic cat that walks, it's a new type of pet - an advanced robotic kitten that YOU bring to life with a small computer, customizable software, a basic components kit, and whatever upgrades you can imagine!
3D puzzle frame
Nybble's frame is an easily assemble-able puzzle. The wooden frame is a retro design in honor of its popstick framed ancestor. The wisdom of traditional Chinese woodwork was borrowed to make the major frame screw-free. Detailed assembling instructions will be available. Or...challenge yourself and try to solve the puzzle on your own!
Facts of Nybble
You can check the most current tutorial. We also have a tutorial playlist with detailed instructions.
Stick with the included software, find hacks and customizations from the worldwide community, or push the envelope and write your own mods.
Think up your own look and bring it to life with paint, craft supplies, 3D printing, or whatever else feels right.
Join our growing community on our website www.petoi.com, make friends, challenge each other and each other’s kittens.
NyBoard
We have designed an all-in-one controller we call the NyBoard V0 to ease the wiring and future development. Besides the ATmega328P chip (the same one on Arduino Uno), we used a faster crystal and added external EEPROM for storing more instincts. It has on-board power management with tunable output, various communication and controlling ports, and an optimized layout.
We pushed the layout precision to 0.25mm, to fit the geometry not only for Nybble, but also for Raspberry Pi and your favorite extension boards. It was designed to avoid all the tall components on Pi that may conflict with installation. Its 2x5 communication socket accepts the pins on Pi. It powers Pi, listens to Pi, and there’s a jumper switch for changing I2C master. If you have another preferred chip to ATmega328P, just take full control of the board! The on-board chip can still watch the battery level for you. The blue chip has to be soldered based on your favorite orientation. We'll be offering variables in our detailed instructions.
You do need to design a mount if the optional screw holes don’t match your board. By attaching a Pi or other AI chips, you will be able to add more talents to Nybble, make it listen, see, and think.
NyBoard is in its second version. The third version is still at PCBA services and the color or arrangement subject to change. Our NyBoard has to go through FCC and CE certificates and that will be the major challenge to have Nybble delivered on time but we'll be doing our best! Check out the user manual here!
Learn programming with Nybble
After assembling Nybble, some entry level computer skills are required to upload the code and tune Nybble to walking order. You'll need a little willingness to learn and teach it new tricks!
The bigger picture behind Nybble
Over the 2.5 years’ evolution of OpenCat, a rough framework is becoming clearer. It started from a Raspberry Pi kit, introduced an Arduino as the central pattern generator, and will accept any extensions that’s needed. As long as you have a precise and powerful actuator, you can scale Nybble up to a dog, a horse, or even an elephant!
Check out our GitHub repository at https://github.com/PetoiCamp/OpenCat and you're invited to build it together!
Who is Nybble For ?
Nybble is for everyone! If you like graceful cats, tiny computers, hackable software, customizable models, or connecting with new friends around the world, back this project!
If you’re flying solo and just want to enjoy making Nybble yours, you can hack, reprogram, paint, decorate and pose your Nybble in any way you can imagine. If you’re looking for a fun and meaningful group project for your family or classroom, this tiny kitten brings out the best in people, unlocking curiosity and joy.
We know that with Nybble, we can break the barrier between those million dollar quadruped robots and individual makers. Nybble will also be less intimidating to kids who want to learn about robotics, programming, and making in general.
Impressed with Boston Dynamics robots? Why not try Nybble first?