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Design and implementation of an open-source, low-cost remote-controlled tiny humanoid robot for accessible robotics applications

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 December 2025

Marcos Eduardo Pivaro Monteiro Open the ORCID record for Marcos Eduardo Pivaro Monteiro [Opens in a new window] ,
Eduardo Nunes dos Santos ,
Daniel Fernando Pigatto ,
Joilson Alves Junior ,
Leonardo Lira Ramalho  and
Diego Issicaba
Marcos Eduardo Pivaro Monteiro*
Affiliation:
Federal University of Technology - Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil INESC P&D Brazil, Santos, São Paulo, Brazil
Eduardo Nunes dos Santos
Affiliation:
Federal University of Technology - Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
Daniel Fernando Pigatto
Affiliation:
Federal University of Technology - Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
Joilson Alves Junior
Affiliation:
Federal University of Technology - Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
Leonardo Lira Ramalho
Affiliation:
Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil INESC P&D Brazil, Santos, São Paulo, Brazil
Diego Issicaba
Affiliation:
Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil INESC P&D Brazil, Santos, São Paulo, Brazil
*
Corresponding author: Marcos Eduardo Pivaro Monteiro; Email: marcose@utfpr.edu.br
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Abstract

This paper presents the design and implementation of Jaeger UTFPR, an open-source, low-cost, remote-controlled tiny humanoid robot measuring just 12 cm in height. Developed with a focus on accessibility and affordability, the robot integrates 3D-printed components, cost-effective electronics, embedded systems, and wireless communication to provide real-time audio and video feedback through a virtual reality (VR) interface. Operators control Jaeger UTFPR using a VR headset and motion controllers, enabling immersive telepresence and direct manipulation of the robot’s movements. With a total cost of just a few tens of dollars, this innovative solution offers broad applications in education, entertainment, research, and remote inspection, serving as an accessible platform for robotics enthusiasts and developers. Experimental evaluations demonstrate the system’s effectiveness in balancing performance and cost, validating its potential as a tool for immersive robotics experiences.

Keywords

humanoid robotteleoperationembedded applicationsvirtual realitylow-cost robotics

Information

Type
Research Article
Information
Robotica , First View , pp. 1 - 18
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press

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