The PLEN2 3D Printable Robot Project Launches PLEN Playground

The PLEN2 is a robot kit which includes all necessary parts – control boards, servo motors, and accessories needed to build a rather sophisticated 20 centimeter tall version of what looks like a bit like ASIMO. And it’s incredibly sophisticated.

Constructed with 18 movable joints, PLEN2 can be assembled without extensive technical knowledge or special tools, needing nothing more than some patience and a screwdriver.

The robot has interesting functionality as well such as the ability to carry small items, dance or play a game of soccer. The PLEN2 is controlled via a smartphone or PC, and users can access a range of inputs to the robot such as motion control or facial expression control.

Natsuo Akazawa, the founder and CEO of the PLEN2 Project, says now that the company’s Kickstarter campaign is complete, it’s time to announce the latest news.

Online pre-ordering is now available and the official community site, PLEN Playground, is live as well.

Akazawa says the launch of PLEN Playground is a part of his team’s our ongoing effort to enhance the quality and availability of the PLEN2 user experience, and the launch includes a set of new software packages, Motion Editor and Scenography.

Motion Editor is a web application to allow users to create motion functions for the PLEN series robot, and all without the need to write code. Via Motion Editor, users can also share their creations with the community.

Scenography is a programming tool for PLEN series robots which makes used of visual language, and Akazawa says it will help young people learn to think creatively, structure logic and learn programming. It’s easily installed on iOS and Android tablets from the PLEN Playground site.

The Standard Edition Developer Edition Assembled Model is priced at around $1,000, and though the Developer Edition for Intel Edison, 6-Axis Motion Sensor, and RS485 communication port in the head board are not yet available, he says they should be ready for delivery early in September of this year. The Assembled Model and Assembly kit should start shipping early in December 2015.

As part of the launch, the company is also starting a pilot program to train students at the elementary school within Kamakura Women’s University in July.

Akazawa says the open source data, source code, schematics and layout and 3D data for the PLEN2 will be available to the general public for open collaboration in August of this year as well.

Will you be purchasing a PLEN2 robot for yourself or your students? Let us know in the PLEN Playground forum thread on 3DPB.com.