1.Introduction

What is OP3? Open Platform Humanoid Project

ROBOTIS OP3 is the latest miniature humanoid robot platform from ROBOTIS that succeeds ROBOTIS OP(aka “DARWIN OP”) and ROBOTIS OP2(aka “DARWIN 2” or “DARWIN OP2”). One of the noticeable changes of ROBOTIS OP3 is made in actuator by replacing MX-28 actuators with XM-430 actuators. Another significant change is also made in internal PC by replacing Atom based SBC(Single Board Computer) with Intel i3 based NUC. With the XM-430 which supports Dynamixel Protocol 2.0, OP3 has improved torque along with current based control and loaded with various functions. Intel NUC allows highly improved computing power that supports 64-bit OS and Bluetooth 4.1. In addition, OP3 is developed under ROS(Robot Operating System) to utilize various packages in ROS ecosystem. All these hardware improvements and ROS support allows developers to focus more on research and development compare to the preceding robots.

• Physical Differences from ROBOTIS OP2
  • ROBOTIS OP3 does not come with a design skin, however, 3D modeling files are provided in order to support 3D print for the default design skin.

  

OP3 looks quite different from OP2 as default skin is not provided. Users can download design skin files.
Downloaded skin files can be used for 3D printing.
ROBOTIS OP3 is loaded Intel NUC with i3 processor to achieve significant improvement in computing power.
OP3 supports HDMI and Display Port(DP) while OP2 only supports mini HDMI.
There are 1 RGB LED and 3 LEDs, 4 buttons on the back of OP3. From left to right, each button stands for Mode, Start, User, Reset.

• Here are some mechanical differences :
  • New mini HDMI port connector on the ROBOTIS OP2
  • Location of the ports
  • ROBOTIS OP3 no longer has the 3.5mm microphone and audio jacks

  

  Moderate changes have been made in the back panel of OP3.

• Advantages of developing with ROBOTIS OP3 compared to ROBOTIS OP2
  As mentioned above, there are several changes in OP3 and advantages of the new OP3 are listed as follows:
  • New Actuators(higher torque)
  • Increase of SSD capacity
  • Increase of RAM capacity
  • Dramatic improvement in computational power
  • Replacing Mini HDMI with HDMI
  • User friendly sub-controller(CM-730 → OpenCR)
  • Improved camera
• Hardware Spec Comparison

ROBOTIS OP3 is an affordable, miniature humanoid robot platform with advanced computational power, sophisticated sensors, high payload capacity, and dynamic motion ability to enable many exciting research and education activities.

• Actuator Spec Comparisons

• XM430 series actuator is easier to assemble and maintain as well as supporting various control algorithms.
  • Reduced size and increased torque
  • Metal case with integrated assembly bolt taps
  • Hollow back case with cable cover
  • 6 operating modes
  • Current-based torque control
  • Profile control for smooth motion planning
• ROBOTIS-OP3 Specifications

2.Safety Information

CAUTION : ROBOTIS will not be responsible for any loss or damage whatsoever caused resulting from user’s negligence or misuse of the product.

• Read the instruction carefully before getting started.
• Not suitable for children under 15 years old.
• Do not use any other tools other than those provided in the kit.
• Keep the robot away from your face and body when the robot is operating.
• Prevent from getting your fingers stuck between frames.
• Do not place the robot near water, heat or fire.
• Only use the battery and charger included in the kit.
• Gears must be replaced after long excessive use.