The Problem I'm Solving

Educational robotics is dominated by expensive platforms ($2,500-$10,000) or oversimplified kits that don't teach real-world skills. Students in India—and makers worldwide—deserve access to professional-grade robotics without the premium price tag.

Meet BonicBot A1 (Current Version):

BonicBot A1 is an 80cm tall humanoid that runs on Android. Yes, literally a smartphone mounted in its chest running a custom robot control app.

Current Specs:
- Brain: MediaTek Dimensity 7300 (4nm, 8GB RAM) via Android smartphone
- DOF: 7 (2 arms with 2 DOF each, neck with 3 DOF)
- Mobility: 2x encoder motors (differential drive base)
- Display: 6.67" AMOLED touchscreen + RGB LED matrix "face"
- Sensors: RGB-D camera, IMU, force sensors, mic array
- AI: Gemini AI integration, 100+ language support
- Battery: 4400mAh (2-3 hours operation)
- Weight: 6.5kg (ultra-portable)
- SDK: Python library for easy programming

Videos - Full Demo of A1 basic version using smartphone: 


- Product Page: https://bonic.ai/products/bonicbot-a1

The Upgrade: Enter BonicBot A2

After getting incredible feedback from educators and makers, I realized one thing was missing: autonomous navigation.

So I'm adding: - Raspberry Pi 4 (alongside ESP32 for motor control) - 360° LiDAR sensor in the base - ROS2 Humble full navigation stack - SLAM mapping with SLAM Toolbox - Autonomous waypoint navigation via Nav2 - Enhanced Python SDK with ROS2 integration

Why This Architecture?

Modularity. The smartphone handles AI/vision/interaction, RPi CM4 runs navigation, and ESP32 manages real-time motor control via Micro-ROS. Each module does what it's best at

Current Progress (Week 1)

🟢 Done: - PCBboard designed - Power distribution system planned - SLAM Toolbox running in test environment - Basic waypoint navigation tested

🟡 In Progress: - Physical integration of LiDAR in robot base with new base design - ESP32 ↔ RPi communication protocol - Custom PCB for power management - Python SDK wrapper for ROS2 functions

🔴 Coming Soon: - Gazebo simulation environment - Complete SDK with 10+ example projects - Cloud dashboard for map management - Manufacturing preparation for 100-unit run

Why I'm Sharing This Journey

In December 2025, I'm launching BonicBot A2 on Kickstarter with three tiers:

1. DIY Maker Kit - $499

  • Complete electronics without Rpi (ESP32 based, motors, sensors, LiDAR) 
  • STL files for 3D printing    
  • Full assembly guide & SDK     

2. Ready-to-Assemble Kit - $799   

  • All electronics + pre-printed PLA parts    
  • Plug-and-play modules  - Video assembly tutorials

3. Fully Assembled - $1,499    

  • Premium glossy finish    
  • Pre-installed robot with a few additional addons


The Competitive Edge

Reachy Mini (by Pollen Robotics) sells for $299-$449, but it's static (no mobility) and has **no autonomous navigation**. BonicBot A2 gives you:

✅ Autonomous navigation (move around, map environments)  
✅ Emotional display (RGB LED face for human-robot interaction)  
✅ Full ROS2 ecosystem  
✅ Cloud platform for remote control  
✅ Educational curriculum included  
✅ Made in India (supporting Indian deep-tech)

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I Need Your Feedback!

Before finalizing the Kickstarter campaign, I want to hear from the maker community:

🔥 Key Questions:

1. Pricing: Does $499-$1,199 pricing make sense for these features?
2. Features: What matters most—navigation, ROS2 support, ease of assembly, or price?
3. DIY vs Ready-Made: Would you prefer building it yourself or paying more for assembled?
4. Use Case: Education, research, hobby project,...

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