Actuators
Actuators create controlled motion. A design depends on the task, load, speed, duty cycle, feedback, mechanical mounting and motor-drive requirements documented for each part.
Learn · Build
Build and learn humanoid robotics
Learn how humanoid robot actuators, cameras, compute, sensing and power fit together. Explore source-checked components and plan without buying.
Explore the anatomy, research a buy-and-program kit, or plan an assemble-from-parts project. You can learn here without an account, course or purchase.
A generic subsystem map
Choose a learning route
Learn without buying
Start with curated lessons and explore the subsystem explanations below.
Explore learning resourcesEvaluate a ready-made educational kit
For a buy-and-program route, check a complete kit's official inclusion, programming support and host requirements. This component catalog does not represent complete kits or kit availability.
Review kit questionsResearch an assemble-from-parts project
Browse canonical component models and read their current manufacturer sources.
Explore documented componentsCapture project requirements
The existing Build Lab is a separate requirements and project-workspace flow.
Open Build Lab
Requirements change with the task
A stationary learning demo, a teleoperated research platform and a dynamic walking robot have different motion, sensing, control, power and safety constraints. These are planning examples, not ready-made designs or component compatibility claims.
What each subsystem does
These explanations are general learning guidance, not specifications. Ratings, interfaces and support must be checked on the current manufacturer sources linked from each component record.
Cameras
Cameras provide visual input. Resolution alone does not describe suitability: review the documented field of view, frame rate, exposure conditions, interface and processing needs.
Compute
Compute hardware runs control and perception software. Check the manufacturer-documented operating system, interfaces, software and ROS support for the exact variant; missing details remain unknown.
Sensing
Inertial, force, depth and distance sensors measure different properties. Select by the task and compare measurement range, frequency, environment and calibration details only when documented.
Power
Batteries, power management and conversion supply a system. Planning must account for the complete load, peak demand, runtime goals, charging and manufacturer safety instructions.
Educational references
These primary-source links support general subsystem learning. They are not citations for catalog records, named-robot construction, component compatibility, kit contents, availability or safety certification. Each link was checked on ; consult the source for its current version and scope.
- ROBOTIS e-Manual — XM430-W350 (opens external educational reference)
One actuator model example; its specifications apply only to that named model.
Topics: Actuators · Checked
- Luxonis documentation — OAK-D (opens external educational reference)
One camera platform example; its features do not establish suitability for a humanoid robot.
- NVIDIA Jetson documentation (opens external educational reference)
Platform documentation, not a host-computer recommendation for a particular kit or robot.
Topics: Compute · Checked
- Official ROS 2 documentation — First steps (opens external educational reference)
Explains the ROS software framework; it does not verify ROS support for any component or robot.
Topics: Compute and software · Checked
- Bosch Sensortec — BMI270 IMU (opens external educational reference)
One IMU example; its published data applies only to the BMI270.
Topics: Sensing · Checked
- Texas Instruments — Battery management overview (opens external educational reference)
Battery-management product information, not a complete battery design or safety assessment.
Topics: Power · Checked
Prerequisites and safety
Before choosing a platform, document the intended task, operator experience, workspace, supervision and the manufacturer's stated prerequisites. Unknown requirements need confirmation, not a guess.
Safety review
- Read the manufacturer instructions, warnings and operating limits for the exact kit or component.
- Verify the required supervision, operating area, emergency controls and power-isolation procedure.
- Do not treat a catalog listing or generic diagram as a safety certification or assembled-system assessment.
Host computer and accessories
Requirements differ by product and software. Confirm the exact supported host operating system, compute needs, interfaces, cables, power supplies, tools, mounts and other included or required accessories in manufacturer documentation. Missing details are unknown.
Software and ROS support
Treat ROS, SDK, operating-system and version support as verified only when a current manufacturer source documents it for the specific model or variant. A component category or educational association does not establish software compatibility.
Questions for a ready-made kit
No complete kit cards are published on this page: the governed component catalog represents individual manufacturer-documented components, not kits, bundles or seller offers.
- What is included, and what must be supplied separately?
- Which host computer, operating system and supported software versions are required?
- Are ROS packages or SDKs documented by the manufacturer for this exact kit?
- What prerequisites, supervision and safety procedures does the manufacturer specify?
- Are replacement parts, batteries, tools, shipping or taxes additional?
- What source date applies to each claim, and has the documentation changed?
No price, stock, compatibility or total-cost estimate is implied here. A budget may also need to account for documented accessories, host equipment, consumables, spares, shipping, taxes, safety equipment and integration work.
Explore source-checked components
These models come from the public component catalog and have current manufacturer evidence. Open a model for source-backed variants and technical facts. Educational exploration is not a bill of materials, compatibility, installed-use or purchase recommendation.
Actuation
Explore motion components. Compare torque, speed, feedback and electrical requirements only where the manufacturer documents them.
Browse ActuatorBrowse Motor DriverBrowse EncoderBrowse Joint
No source-current published component models are available in this group right now. This does not establish that a component or kit does not exist or is unavailable from a manufacturer.
Hands
Explore grasping components. Payload and mounting details describe individual variants, not proven interchangeability.
No source-current published component models are available in this group right now. This does not establish that a component or kit does not exist or is unavailable from a manufacturer.
Compute
Explore computing, control and communication components. Check documented interfaces and software requirements before integration.
Browse ComputeBrowse MCUBrowse CommunicationsBrowse Development Tool
No source-current published component models are available in this group right now. This does not establish that a component or kit does not exist or is unavailable from a manufacturer.
Perception
Explore visual and distance sensing. Resolution, range and frequency are comparable only with their documented measurement conditions.
Browse CameraBrowse Depth SensorBrowse Lidar
No source-current published component models are available in this group right now. This does not establish that a component or kit does not exist or is unavailable from a manufacturer.
Sensing
Explore inertial and contact sensing. Review manufacturer documentation for operating limits and measurement context.
Browse IMUBrowse Force Torque Sensor
No source-current published component models are available in this group right now. This does not establish that a component or kit does not exist or is unavailable from a manufacturer.
Power
Explore energy storage and power management. Electrical ratings are not a guarantee of system-level compatibility or safety.
Browse BatteryBrowse BMSBrowse Power Conversion
No source-current published component models are available in this group right now. This does not establish that a component or kit does not exist or is unavailable from a manufacturer.
Mechanical and safety
Explore structural, wiring and safety components. A listed component does not establish certification of an assembled robot.
Browse FrameBrowse WiringBrowse Safety Device
No source-current published component models are available in this group right now. This does not establish that a component or kit does not exist or is unavailable from a manufacturer.