Hiwonder Tonybot Programmable Humanoid Robot Standard Kit 17 DOF Arduino Compatible

Specifications

• Robot Type: Programmable Bipedal Humanoid Kit
• Degrees of Freedom (DOF): 17 DOF (Includes Head/Pan joint for tracking)
• Actuators: High-Voltage Serial Bus Servos (Anti-blocking)
• Main Controller: Arduino-Compatible Bus Servo Controller & ESP32 Expansion
• Operating Voltage: 11.1V DC 2000mAh 10C lithium battery
• Body material: Hard aluminum alloy
• Hardware: Humanoid robot servo controller + ESP32 Controller
• Control Methods: PC Graphical Software, Mobile App, PC Code, AI Voice
• Communication Interface: USB / Bluetooth 4.0 / Serial / WiFi
• Programming Environments: Arduino IDE, Graphical Block Software, Python, C/C++
• Dimensions (Assembled): 379mm × 187mm × 121mm (H × W × D) [Estimated]
• Robot Weight: 1.8 kg

Unlock New Capabilities

• If you've already experimented with basic 4-DOF robot arms, desktop hexapods, or simple line-following Arduino chassis, you already understand basic motor control and structural assembly — which means you're perfectly ready to step into the world of multi-joint bipedal robotics.
• This Hiwonder Tonybot unlocks advanced bipedal walking algorithms, dynamic balance control, AI-driven visual object tracking, and complex choreographed motion sequences. These are cutting-edge robotics applications you simply cannot achieve reliably with standard hobby servos or wheeled platforms.
• Effort Level: Advanced

Minimum hardware to get started:

• 11.1V 3S LiPo Battery: required to deliver the high burst current needed by the high-voltage serial bus servos when multiple joints are moving simultaneously (Note: ensure your kit includes this, or purchase separately).
• PC or Laptop (Windows/Mac): essential to run the Hiwonder graphical PC software for editing action groups and the Arduino IDE for uploading custom C/C++ code.
• USB Data Cable: required to establish a stable serial connection between the robot's main controller and your computer during the initial setup and programming phase.

Included in the Box:

• 1× Set of Anodized Aluminum Humanoid Frame Brackets
• 17× High-Voltage Serial Bus Servos (Anti-blocking metal gear)
• 1× Arduino-Compatible Bus Servo Controller Board
• 1× ESP32-based AI Vision & Voice Module
• 1× 11.1V LiPo Battery & Dedicated AC Charger
• Assembly Screws, Copper Pillars, and Wiring Cables

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the Hiwonder Tonybot compatible with the standard Arduino IDE?
  Yes, the main controller board is fully Arduino-compatible and can be programmed using standard C/C++ within the Arduino IDE.
• Can I control the Tonybot using a Raspberry Pi?
  While the main controller handles the low-level servo balancing, you can connect a Raspberry Pi via serial (UART) to send high-level movement commands.
• Does the included mobile app work on both iOS and Android?
  Yes, the Bluetooth-enabled control app is available for both major mobile operating systems.
• Are the serial bus servos compatible with standard PWM controllers?
  No, these are specialized serial bus servos that require a dedicated UART controller; standard 3-pin PWM signals will not work.
• What voltage does the Tonybot Humanoid Robot require to operate?
  The robot operates at 11.1V DC, specifically drawing power from a high-discharge 3S LiPo battery to support the high-voltage servos.
• Can I power the robot directly from my PC's USB port while programming?
  No, the USB port only provides 5V for logic programming; you must have the 11.1V LiPo connected to move the high-torque servos.
• How long does the included 11.1V battery last on a single charge?
  Depending on the complexity of the movements, a fully charged battery typically provides between 30 to 45 minutes of continuous operation.
• How are the 17 servos wired to the main controller?
  The servos use a daisy-chain topology, meaning they plug into each other sequentially and only require a few direct connections back to the controller's bus ports.
• Do I need to solder any connections to assemble the Tonybot?
  No, the entire kit uses modular plug-and-play wiring with specialized locking connectors, eliminating the need for any soldering.
• Where do I plug in the ESP32 AI Vision module on the main board?
  The vision expansion board interfaces directly with the main controller's designated UART/Serial header pins for rapid data exchange.
• Which programming language is used for the Tonybot's AI tracking features?
  The ESP32-based AI vision processing is typically handled using MicroPython or C++, which then triggers pre-programmed action groups on the Arduino controller.
• Where can I find the graphical action editing software for this robot?
  The PC software is provided by Hiwonder; you can download it directly from their support portal using the link provided in the box.
• Are there pre-written walking gaits included with the kit?
  Yes, the controller comes pre-loaded with standard bipedal walking, turning, and balancing gaits so you can test the robot immediately.
• Why is my Tonybot falling over when executing a walking gait?
  This is usually caused by an uncalibrated center of gravity; use the PC software to adjust the servo offsets slightly until the robot stands perfectly straight.
• What should I do if one of the servos stops responding during a routine?
  Check for cable strain at the joints; a tight cable during movement often momentarily disconnects the daisy-chain serial bus.
• Why is the ESP32 AI module failing to connect to my local Wi-Fi?
  Ensure your router is broadcasting a 2.4GHz network, as the ESP32 chip cannot connect to 5GHz Wi-Fi bands.
• Why does the robot's power cut out suddenly during complex movements?
  If multiple joints move under heavy load simultaneously, a low battery will experience voltage sag, triggering the controller's brownout protection.