Nybble: An Open-Source Robotic Cat

Whenever robots and the animal world meet, it's inevitable to think of the developments of Boston Dynamics or Festo's creatures, but at the same time that combination can serve as a teaching platform for the little ones. A proof of this is Nybble, an open-source robotic cat that is easy to assemble, repair, and modify. Nybble successfully passed through Indiegogo and is quickly heading to its production phase.

Nybble: A robotic cat to play, program, and modify

Learning robotics these days is as important as learning some form of programming. We know very well that the labor structure will change once robots accelerate their process of replacement, and the best we can do for future generations is to give them the essential knowledge to build, operate, and maintain those robots. The good news is that we don't need much: a basic robotics kit in the right environment, accompanied by a pinch of Arduino and a Raspberry Pi is an excellent starting point. Now, how do we make such a kit more attractive? Simple: turning it into a cat

Nybble began its adventure as OpenCat AI, a project based on the Raspberry Pi created by the Chinese robotics expert Rongzhong Li. Nybble's movements are controlled by the NyBoard board compatible with Arduino, which uses the ATmega328P chip (the same as the Arduino Uno and other clones). If the user wishes, they can add a Raspberry Pi to the Nybble configuration so that it works as an artificial intelligence module, giving the cat perception and decision-making capability.

Nybble's body is assembled with interlocking wooden pieces that remind us of old Chinese puzzles, without using screws or nuts. Once assembled, the cat measures 25 by 14 by 10.7 centimeters, and its limbs need slight calibration from time to time (some movements are very intense).

With more than $200,000 raised, Nybble's journey on Indiegogo was a resounding success, and the priority of those responsible is to deliver the first round of boards and kits. The average price of the Nybble kit during the crowdfunding campaign was $225, but its open source profile will surely allow DIY enthusiasts and educators around the world to lower its cost even further.

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