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Intermediate build

How to build Q8botOne

8-DoF four-legged robot dog · Intermediate

Q8botOne is ZeroWire Robotics' assembled version of Q8bot, launching on Crowd Supply. Its open hardware files have not been published yet.

Start the build
Difficulty
Intermediate

Some soldering, calibration and Linux comfort needed.

Build time
2–4 weekends

Our estimate, part-time

Parts cost
Not published

Price the BOM yourself

Degrees of freedom
8

License not stated

What is Q8botOne?

Q8botOne is the production version of Q8bot from ZeroWire Robotics. The team includes Q8bot's creator, Yufeng Wu.

Crowd Supply lists eight DYNAMIXEL XL actuators on a central PCB, an ESP32-C3-MINI-N4, a protected Li-ion battery, a Qwiic port and a UART for a co-processor, with MJF linkages. It ships assembled with a paired dongle.

ZeroWire says the design will be fully open, with the mechanics in Onshape, but the files haven't been released. To build one now, use the original Q8bot.

Q8botOne specifications

DoF
8
MCU
ESP32-C3-MINI-N4
Expansion
Qwiic + UART
Status
Files not yet released

Figures as published by the project. See Sources below.

Bill of materials

PartQtyNotes
Sold assembled—No BOM published
Where's the full bill of materials?

The full BOM, with exact quantities and vendors, lives in the project's own files. Prices change often, so treat Not published as a ballpark.

Tools you'll need

  • 3D printer (PLA/PETG)
  • Hex/Allen key set (metric)
  • Small screwdrivers
  • Calipers
  • Wire strippers & crimper
  • Multimeter
  • Soldering iron
  • Thread-locker
  • Bench power supply

Step-by-step build overview

Electronics & wiring overview

Actuators plug into a central PCB, as on Q8bot.

Battery packpower sourceLaptop / PChigh-level controlEncoderssensingESP32 microcontrollerreal-time controllerServo bus adapterdrivers / busDynamixel smart servos8 joints / motors
PowerData / commandsSensor feedbackOverview only. Follow the project's own schematic for pinouts and voltages.

Software

URDF model

Not yet published for Q8botOne. The Q8bot firmware is the closest equivalent.

Tips from the bench

  • ☕ Read the whole guide once before you print anything. Revisions often change a part or two.
  • ☕ Label every cable at both ends. Future-you debugging at midnight will thank you.
  • ☕ Power up new wiring from a current-limited bench supply before you connect the battery.
  • ☕ No parts total is published, so price out the BOM yourself before committing.

Q8botOne FAQ

Is Q8botOne open source?

ZeroWire plans to release the files after the campaign. They aren't out yet.

Sources

Written by Bots n' Beans from the project's own documentation. Check the sources for the latest revision before you buy parts.

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