Overview
Billed as the world's first printable open-source humanoid, PLEN2 was crowdfunded on Kickstarter in 2015 with STL files, Arduino firmware and control apps all on GitHub. The small servo body walks, kicks and skates on scripted motions. The company later moved on to other products. The files remain online.
- Type
- Biped robot · Walks, but doesn't really balance
- Maker
- PLEN Project Company (Japan)
- Released
- 2015
- Price
- Was $499 – $1,099 (Kickstarter)
- Status
- Discontinued · unavailable
- Best for
- Ages 14+
- Programming
- Open source (hardware + software)
Price and shipping
2015 Kickstarter tiers ran $499 for electronics plus print files, from $699 for a full DIY kit, $799 pre-assembled and $1,099 for the Developer Edition. 187 backers pledged $66,420
Shipping: Not for sale. No longer sold. It can still be 3D-printed from the GitHub files with sourced servos and boards.
Specifications
| Category | Bipeds · Walks, but doesn't really balance |
|---|---|
| Released | 2015 |
| Country | Japan |
| Availability | Discontinued · unavailable |
| Sales | 187 Kickstarter backers (2015, estimate) Kicktraq ↗ |
| Programmability | Open source (hardware + software) |
| Built-in autonomy | None / scripted · Moves only when controlled, or plays preset motions |
| LLM support | Possible via SDK · No built-in LLM. Its SDK lets software on a computer control it. |
| MuJoCo simulation | None found · Nothing found. |
| NVIDIA Isaac simulation | None found · Nothing found. |
| Gazebo simulation | None found · Nothing found. |
| Best for | Ages 14+ (estimated) |
| Vision sensors | No vision sensors |
| Actuators | Hobby servos |
| Audio | No audio |
| Compute type | Arduino / ESP32 / microcontroller |
| Balance type | Scripted |
| Height | 20 cm |
| Weight | 450 g |
| Compute | ATmega32u4 (Arduino-compatible, 16 MHz) + Bluetooth SMART, ROS version used Intel Edison |
| Speed | Not published |
| DOF | 18 |
| Sensors | 6-axis accelerometer/gyro |
| Balance | Keyframed motions from a motion editor. No active balance. |
| SDK | Open Arduino firmware, motion editor, iOS/Android apps, STL files on GitHub |
Common questions
How much does PLEN2 cost?
It sold for $499 – $1,099 (Kickstarter). 2015 Kickstarter tiers ran $499 for electronics plus print files, from $699 for a full DIY kit, $799 pre-assembled and $1,099 for the Developer Edition. 187 backers pledged $66,420.
Can PLEN2 be bought today?
No. It is discontinued and no longer sold. No longer sold. It can still be 3D-printed from the GitHub files with sourced servos and boards.
Who makes PLEN2?
PLEN2 is made by PLEN Project Company (Japan). It came out in 2015.
Can PLEN2 be programmed?
Open source (hardware + software). Open Arduino firmware, motion editor, iOS/Android apps, STL files on GitHub.
Does PLEN2 have AI chat or LLM support?
Possible via SDK. No built-in LLM. Its SDK lets software on a computer control it.
What age is PLEN2 for?
Ages 14+ (estimated).
Ratings & reviews
Ratings and reviews load on the live site.
Related guides
- Robot Gaits and Gait Training · how legged robots walk, trot and gallop
- MuJoCo Guide · the simulator used to train walking robots
- ROS 2 Guide · the software framework many robots use
- Robot Vision and Depth Sensors · cameras, lidar and other distance sensors
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