NimbRo-OP (first prototype)
Robot / hardware buildThe original 95 cm humanoid prototype with 28 released STEP body parts and software patches for a historical DARwIn-OP framework. [1] [2] [3]
Build & first use →Official websiteSource code
- For
- Humanoid robotics researchers; Experienced fabrication and control teams [1]
- Cost
- No current cost or bill of materials established yet.
- Source rights
- Some licenses are unresolved. Includes noncommercial terms. Review licenses
- Unknowns
- host computer, tools, operating system not fully established. Review gaps
Source researched · Not tested by us
Sources checked · Research details
Licenses & related hardware
- License
- CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 (noncommercial), BSD-3-Clause · license not fully assessed for documentation · Details by part
Overview
The University of Bonn identifies NimbRo-OP as the first prototype that preceded the igus Humanoid Open Platform. Its historical configuration was 95 cm tall, with 20 Dynamixel actuators, a Zotac robot PC and a CM-730 controller. The released design uses carbon, aluminum and ABSplus parts with historical DARwIn-OP software patches. [1] [2] [3]
The pinned repository contains 28 STEP parts with matching IGS geometry for carbon, aluminum and ABSplus components. This is useful fabrication source, but a complete assembly procedure and a current matched parts list were not found. The repository also has essential and optional software patches against ROBOTIS DARwIn-OP framework 1.5.0 and CM-730 firmware 0x13. Its fetch script names those external baselines; the patch path was not run or verified. [2] [3]
Start with the original prototype page and pinned source, keeping the 2012 prototype geometry separate from successor files. The hardware folder declares CC BY-NC-SA 3.0, while repository software is described as BSD-3-Clause. The CAD license limits commercial reuse; third-party ROBOTIS dependencies need their own review. No fabrication, patch application, software installation, calibration or walking test was performed. Current sourcing and total cost remain unknown. [1] [2] [3] [4]
Is this for you?
- Known limitations
- This is the first NimbRo-OP prototype, distinct from the later igus Humanoid Open Platform and NimbRo-OP2 designs.
- CAD files are released under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0, which restricts commercial reuse.
- The software repository supplies patches and a fetch script, not a self-contained verified installation; upstream framework and firmware revisions are required.
- No complete current BOM, assembly procedure, supplier quote or compatible modern control stack was verified.
Bounded historical release assessment.
What you need
Hardware & parts
Assembly & first use
Cost
No current, complete configuration-specific build cost has been established for this profile.
3D preview
Preview not available yet. Original STEP/IGS parts are preserved, but the full assembly placement is not verified and the CAD license restricts commercial reuse.
Model sources
Original STEP/IGS parts are preserved, but the full assembly placement is not verified and the CAD license restricts commercial reuse.
What we checked
Source research only; no fabrication, hardware commissioning, software installation or performance test performed.
Not yet established
- Requirements: operating system, host computer, tools
- A step-by-step setup summary
Updates
- Upstream last updated
- Oct 30, 2012 [2]
- Latest release
- Not established
- Profile updated
- Oct 24, 2026
- Sources last checked
- Oct 24, 2026
- Next review
- Nov 24, 2026
- Reviewed revision
- 5572d413eda0b53b8c4417d32efabdffff0a2904 (commit snapshot; no stable repository release) · combined hardware and software repository
Source files and licenses
The distinct first prototype has inspectable mechanical CAD and software patches; current build completeness and runtime compatibility are unverified.
| Layer | Availability / license |
|---|---|
| mechanical design | available · CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 Twenty-eight STEP and matching IGS parts are present; noncommercial license applies to hardware folder. [2] [3] [4] |
| software | available · BSD-3-Clause Patch set for ROBOTIS DARwIn-OP v1.5.0 is present; base software and a working integration were not verified. [2] [3] |
| documentation | available · License not fully assessed University page and README explain configuration and patch prerequisites; complete assembly documentation was not found. [1] [3] |
No independent artifact in the selected configuration established during this review.
References
Each source links to the exact revision we read. “Used for” shows where this page relies on it.
- S001 Original NimbRo-OP prototype page
Calls this the first prototype, lists hardware, and links its distinct CAD/software source.Revision, date & where cited
University of Bonn AIS · nimbro.net · Hardware Specifications of 1st Prototype; Download · Accessed Oct 24, 2026
Used for: Overview, Is this for you?, What you need, Hardware & parts and 1 more - S002 Pinned NimbRo-OP repository
Contains 28 STEP and matching IGS mechanical files, plus essential and optional software patches.Revision, date & where cited
University of Bonn AIS · github.com · revision
5572d41· README and archive inventory · Accessed Oct 24, 2026
Used for: Overview, Is this for you?, What you need, Assembly & first use and 2 more - S003 NimbRo-OP repository README
Specifies historical ROBOTIS base revisions and different software and CAD license scopes.Revision, date & where cited
University of Bonn AIS · github.com · revision
5572d41· Software, CAD files, Authors & License · Accessed Oct 24, 2026
Used for: Overview, Is this for you?, Source files and licenses - S004 NimbRo-OP hardware license
Applies CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 to the hardware folder.Revision, date & where cited
University of Bonn AIS · github.com · revision
5572d41· Hardware license file · Accessed Oct 24, 2026
Used for: Overview, Is this for you?, Source files and licenses
Correction guidance · Discussion is not enabled · Profile format 0.7.0-draft.5