Asimov v1 open‑sourced humanoid
- Menlo Research and the Asimov project published the Asimov v1 humanoid repository and a launch video, opening its hardware, simulation model and software. - The GitHub release describes a 1.2-meter, 35-kilogram biped with 25 actuated joints, plus a $15,000 DIY kit shipping in summer 2026. - The release pushes humanoid design toward open reference platforms instead of sealed systems. (github.com)
Humanoid robots are two-legged machines built to use human spaces and tools, and Menlo Research has now open-sourced one called Asimov v1. (github.com) (youtube.com) The new repository says Asimov v1 includes mechanical CAD, electrical CAD, a MuJoCo simulation model and onboard software for builders to assemble, simulate and customize the robot. (github.com) The project describes the robot as a 1.2-meter, 35-kilogram biped with 25 actuated degrees of freedom, plus two passive toe joints. Its listed compute stack uses a Raspberry Pi 5 for media and networking and a Radxa CM5 for motion control. (github.com) Open-sourcing in this case means publishing the files needed to copy the body, wire the electronics and run the robot in simulation before touching hardware. The simulation model README says the package is built for locomotion policy training and hardware-in-the-loop testing. (github.com) Menlo says Asimov is a reference design for an open manufacturing ecosystem rather than a closed product stack. Its product page says integrators can swap components while staying compatible with Menlo Platform software. (menlo.ai) The company is also selling a “Here Be Dragons” DIY kit. The GitHub page lists a $499 deposit, a $15,000 target price and a summer 2026 ship window for an unassembled package that includes hardware, boards, sensors, a wireless emergency stop, documentation and build videos. (github.com) (asimov.inc) Asimov’s own FAQ compares the kit to a Raspberry Pi or Arduino for humanoid robots, with buyers free to hack the hardware or write their own software on top. The public manual says builders can also self-source parts directly from the bill of materials instead of buying the kit. (asimov.inc) (manual.asimov.inc) The safety pitch is part branding and part architecture. Menlo says the robot is named after Isaac Asimov and says permissions, safety constraints and operational telemetry sit at the hardware level before any policy reaches the machine. (menlo.ai) That does not mean Isaac Asimov’s Three Laws have become an enforceable robotics standard. Menlo presents them as inspiration, while the actual public release today is a set of files, manuals, parts lists and community channels for people who want to build a humanoid themselves. (menlo.ai) (asimov.inc)
