Limitbit Tech has launched its crowdfunding campaign for Doly, a Raspberry Pi-powered robot designed to revolutionize education and more. In a remarkable feat, the campaign reached its funding goal within just three minutes of going live.
Doly sets itself apart with its unparalleled ability to adapt and grow, providing an engaging and educational experience for users of all ages and abilities. According to Levent Erenler, the founder of Limitbit, Doly is at the forefront of personal robotic technology due to its open-source approach and fusion of companionship, education, and technological innovation.
Originally built as a 3D-printable companion robot centered around a custom Linux-based computing platform, Doly underwent a transformation to offer enhanced functionality. This led to the adoption of the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4, a decision catalyzed by the maker community’s interest. As a result, Limitbit released the design of the machine under an open-source license.
The current iteration of Doly incorporates the Raspberry Pi CM4 and boasts an impressive array of features. It includes an eight-megapixel Sony IMX219-based camera module, two touch sensors functioning as expressive “eyes” on circular displays, a six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU), two time-of-flight (ToF) distance sensors, four infrared edge sensors, and two microphones. Additionally, there are six general-purpose input/output (GPIO) pins, two spare servo ports, and a single Qwiic port for external connectivity.
Doly significantly emphasizes its artificial intelligence capabilities, which come with on-device machine learning functionalities like face, speech, and object detection, as well as natural language understanding (NLU) responses and autonomous pathfinding. For users seeking to expand its potential, there is a user-friendly low-code visual programming environment based on Google’s Blockly.
Apart from its technical prowess, Doly boasts a unique feature—an evolving personality. From day one, users have the opportunity to shape Doly’s individual character and mood through their interactions. The robot’s responses, expressions, movements, and eye animations adapt to different emotions, making Doly an independent spirit without the need for an app or device.
Doly is now available for crowdfunding on Kickstarter, offering a kit requiring 3D-printed body parts and a Raspberry Pi CM4 for CA$362 (approximately $270). Early-bird backers can secure a fully-assembled Doly unit for CA$399 (around $296). Shipping of all hardware is scheduled for August of this year, according to Limitbit. With its exceptional capabilities and educational focus, Doly has the potential to redefine the learning experience for individuals of all ages.
FAQ on Doly – The Raspberry Pi-Powered Robot
1. What is Doly?
Doly is a Raspberry Pi-powered robot designed to revolutionize education. It offers an engaging and educational experience for users of all ages and abilities.
2. How did Doly reach its funding goal so quickly?
Doly’s crowdfunding campaign reached its funding goal within just three minutes of going live, showcasing the high interest and demand for the product.
3. How does Doly stand out from other robots?
Doly sets itself apart with its adaptability and growth capabilities. It combines companionship, education, and technological innovation to provide a unique experience.
4. What is the technological foundation of Doly?
Doly was originally built as a 3D-printable companion robot using a custom Linux-based computing platform. The latest version incorporates the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4, which offers enhanced functionality.
5. What features does Doly have?
Doly includes an eight-megapixel camera module, touch sensors functioning as expressive “eyes,” an inertial measurement unit, time-of-flight distance sensors, infrared edge sensors, and microphones. It also has GPIO pins, servo ports, and external connectivity options.
6. What artificial intelligence capabilities does Doly have?
Doly emphasizes its AI capabilities with on-device machine learning functionalities like face, speech, and object detection, as well as natural language understanding (NLU) responses and autonomous pathfinding.
7. Can Doly’s potential be expanded?
Yes, Doly offers a user-friendly low-code visual programming environment based on Google’s Blockly, allowing users to explore and expand its potential.
8. What makes Doly unique?
Doly has an evolving personality. Users can shape its character, mood, and responses through interactions. It adapts to different emotions, making it an independent spirit without the need for an app or device.
9. How can I get Doly?
Doly is currently available for crowdfunding on Kickstarter. There are options to purchase a kit requiring 3D-printed body parts and a Raspberry Pi CM4 or a fully-assembled unit. Shipping is scheduled for August of this year.
Suggested related links:
– Limitbit Tech
– Raspberry Pi Foundation