DARwIn-OP (Dynamic Anthropomorphic Robot with Intelligence - Open Platform) is an affordable, miniature humanoid robot platform with advance computational power, sophisticated sensors, high payload capacity, and dynamic motion ability to enable many exciting research, education, and outreach activities. Sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) in the United States, DARwIn-OP has been developed by the Robotics and Mechanisms Laboratory (RoMeLa) at Virginia Tech with collaboration from the University of Pennsylvania, Purdue University and Robotis Co. It is based on the award winning DARwIn series humanoid robots in development since 2004.
DARwIn-OP is a true open platform where users are encouraged to modify it in both hardware and software, and various software implementations are possible. The open source hardware is not only user serviceable because of its modular design, but also can be fabricated by the user. Open CAD files for all of its parts, instructions manuals for fabrication, and assembly are available online for free.
A number of DARwIn-OP units will be fabricated and built by Robotis Co. for distribution to 11 partner schools. These schools will utilize them in the classroom and in outreach activities.