CKBot

Not for sale

Not for sale (research)Via SSH / web / bridgeChain modularDynamic gaitsCAN busUPenn

Not for saleShipping: N/A.

Remote control: A laptop connects to a module cluster over Bluetooth or XBee radio modules plugged into the CAN bus (research setup).

LEARN MORE (ModLab CKBot) ↗

Overview

Connector Kinetic roBot, with fast, inexpensive single-DOF modules small enough to fit through a 3-inch pipe, built by Mark Yim's lab to study dynamic modular locomotion rather than slow, statically stable gaits. Modules connect with screws and share power and data over a CAN bus, with IR links between clusters.

Type: Modular robot · Research & self-reconfiguring
Maker: UPenn ModLab (USA)
Released: 2009
Price: Not for sale
Status: Not for sale (research)
Best for: Professionals & labs
Programming: No programmability

Price and shipping

Research modules. Project page dated 2009 (development began earlier).

Shipping: N/A. Lab research project. Not for sale.

Specifications

Category	Modular & reconfigurable · Research & self-reconfiguring
Released	2009
Country	USA
Availability	Not for sale (research)
Sales	40 CKBot modules built as of 2008 International Journal of Robotics Research ↗
Programmability	No programmability
Built-in autonomy	Task-level · Carries out multi-step jobs on its own, such as inspections, deliveries or chores
LLM support	None · No built-in LLM and no SDK to connect one.
Best for	Professionals & labs
Vision sensors	Camera
Actuators	Unknown
Audio	No audio
Compute type	Arduino / ESP32 / microcontroller
Remote control	Via SSH / web / bridge
Size	60 mm cube, 138 g per module
Locomotion	Manually reconfigured chains: snakes, walkers, rolling loops, wheel attachments
Compute	PIC18F2680 per module, clusters share a CAN bus
Camera	Optional smart camera module
Sensors	IR proximity modules, 7 IR pairs per module for inter-cluster links
Runtime	7.4 V LiPo (runtime not published)
Speed	Not published
SDK	Research software, Bluetooth/XBee link to a laptop