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Beginner build

How to build Stack-chan

2-DoF desk companion robot · Beginner

Build Stack-chan, meganetaaan's open-source JavaScript-driven M5Stack desk robot with pan-tilt servos, an animated face, MODs and browser-flashed firmware.

Start the buildProject files
Difficulty
Beginner

Mostly printed parts and plug-in servos. Good first build.

Build time
1–2 weekends

Our estimate, part-time

Parts cost
$99

Project's own total, source currency

Degrees of freedom
2

Apache-2.0

What is Stack-chan?

Stack-chan is a small desk companion built on an M5Stack controller, started by meganetaaan and grown by a large Japanese maker community. The screen shows an animated face while two servos pan and tilt the head.

The firmware is JavaScript on the Moddable SDK, and new behaviours install as MODs. M5Stack now sells an official M5StackChan (K151) based on the CoreS3, with a 550 mAh battery, RGB LEDs, touch and NFC, and you can flash the community firmware to it from a browser.

Stack-chan specifications

Axes
2 (pan, tilt)
Controller
M5Stack CoreS3 (ESP32-S3, 16 MB flash, 8 MB PSRAM)
Official body
550 mAh battery, 12 RGB LEDs, touch, NFC
Firmware
Moddable JavaScript
License
Apache-2.0

Figures as published by the project. See Sources below.

Bill of materials

PartQtyNotes
M5Stack core1
Servos2
Case and servo board—DIY or the official body
Data USB-C cable1
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 $99 as a ballpark from the project. Start at the project repository.

Tools you'll need

  • Chrome or Edge
  • Small screwdriver
  • 3D printer (DIY case)

Step-by-step build overview

Electronics & wiring overview

The core stacks onto the servo board in the body. USB-C carries both power and data.

LiPo batterypower sourceLaptop / PChigh-level controlEncoderssensingMicrocontrollerreal-time controllerServo bus adapterdrivers / busDynamixel XL330 servos2 joints / motors
PowerData / commandsSensor feedbackOverview only. Follow the project's own schematic for pinouts and voltages.

Software

The project ships its own firmware and control code. See the repository for setup.

Moddable firmware with an avatar face and MODs. M5Stack's own firmware, Arduino and UiFlow2 also work.

Tips from the bench

  • ☕ Use a USB-C cable that carries data.
  • ☕ Keep M5Burner handy.

Stack-chan FAQ

Do I need an SDK?

No. The web installer flashes it from Chrome or Edge.

Can I build it DIY?

Yes. The repo has cases and schematics.

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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