Quickstart
Introduce the Asimov manual: how it is organized and where to begin.
What this is
This manual covers how the robot is designed, assembled, and brought from simulation work to real hardware operation. It is part of the broader Asimov project, which you can explore at asimov.inc.
This manual is focused on Asimov 1, specifically:
- the full-body hardware architecture
- the fabrication and assembly workflow
- bring-up and operating context for the humanoid platform
- the simulation and control stack used for whole-body operation and locomotion
What this is not
This is not a lightweight consumer build booklet.
It is also not a simplified quick-start guide. The current emphasis is the full-body platform, the technical decisions behind it, and the workflow required to take it from components to working hardware.
Who this is for
This manual is intended for readers who want one of two things:
- to understand how Asimov 1 is designed and why specific hardware and control choices were made
- to build, assemble, and validate the humanoid platform themselves
It is a good fit for robotics engineers, advanced hobbyists, research teams, and technical builders who are comfortable working across mechanics, electronics, embedded systems, and simulation.
This page explains how the manual is organized and what to read first.
If you are evaluating the project or starting from scratch, begin with Before You Start. That page covers scope, audience, effort, safety, and the core project links.
Work in progress
This is the earliest public version of the Asimov manual. It is being released in stages, and several sections will continue to expand as the documentation matures.
The manual is organized into three working sections:
- Hardware Design explains how the robot is designed, including the electrical and mechanical structure, major components, and joint architecture.
- Assembly Manual covers the practical build process, required tools and parts, and the path toward bring-up and operation.
- Locomotion Control documents the simulation and reinforcement-learning workflow used to train and deploy walking behavior.
Recommended reading order
If you are new to the project, read the manual in this order:
That sequence takes you from orientation and decision-making, to system understanding, to build execution, to simulation and deployment.
Pre-order update
Asimov - Here be Dragons is now available for pre-order at asimov.inc/diy-kit.
How is this guide?