NavBot-D1 Open-Source Quadruped Robot
NavBot-D1 Open-Source Quadruped Robot
NavBot-D1 is an open-source quadruped robot platform for robotics developers, research teams, schools, and builders who want a real 12-DOF robot dog they can study, modify, and extend. D1 combines an aluminum mechanical frame, high-torque actuators, NVIDIA Jetson edge compute, ROS 2 workflows, CAN bus motor control, IMU calibration, and reinforcement-learning locomotion.
Unlike a closed black-box robot, NavBot-D1 is designed around accessible build resources: mechanical CAD/CNC references, wiring and BOM guidance, Jetson setup, ROS 2 software bring-up, USB-to-CAN configuration, actuator ID assignment, and walking tests on real indoor and outdoor surfaces.
International shipping is calculated at checkout.
Why NavBot-D1
- Open-source from hardware to software: BOM, wiring, CAD/CNC files, printable parts, control software, and reinforcement-learning resources are published for builders and researchers.
- Real build process documented: the video walks through assembly from actuators, knee joints, linkage rods, legs, top plate, battery dock, wiring, and final calibration.
- Jetson edge compute: onboard NVIDIA Jetson runs the robot software stack, with setup shown from recovery mode through NVIDIA SDK Manager and JetPack.
- ROS 2 and CAN control: D1 uses ROS 2 workflows, USB-to-CAN communication, actuator ID assignment, and IMU verification for repeatable deployment.
- Reinforcement-learning locomotion: demonstrated forward, backward, left-turn, and right-turn walking, followed by outdoor testing on real surfaces.
- Expandable communications: Wi-Fi for development and short-range operation, plus options for LoRa, GPS, radio/video transmission, and field testing workflows.
Open-Source Resources
D1 is designed for builders who want access to the files behind the robot, not just a finished black-box product.
- Bill of materials and wiring references
- Mechanical CAD, CNC machining files, and printable part files
- Jetson setup, ROS 2 workspace, dependencies, and deployment workflow
- USB-to-CAN firmware workflow and actuator CAN ID configuration
- IMU calibration and reinforcement-learning walking stack
Build and Setup Workflow
| Stage | What is covered |
|---|---|
| Mechanical assembly | 12 actuators, knee joints, linkage rods, legs, top plate, frame supports, and battery dock. |
| Electronics | Custom motherboard, BMS power flow, USB-to-CAN routing, IMU, Wi-Fi, HDMI, and Jetson installation. |
| Jetson setup | Recovery mode, NVIDIA SDK Manager, JetPack setup, Wi-Fi driver installation, and remote SSH access. |
| Robot software | ROS 2 installation, workspace build, dependency setup, and IMU verification. |
| Motor bring-up | USB-to-CAN firmware update, auto-load script, actuator debug tool, and 12-motor CAN ID assignment. |
| Walking tests | Indoor stand-up, RL walking control, forward/backward motion, turning, and outdoor tests on real surfaces. |
Control and Communication
| Channel | Best For |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi / SSH | Development, software setup, ROS 2 work, and indoor testing. |
| ROS 2 controller | Short-range lab operation and controlled demos. |
| LoRa / joystick | Outdoor field control where longer-range operation is needed. |
| GPS and video transmission options | Outdoor testing, navigation experiments, and operator feedback workflows. |
Mechanical and Platform Highlights
- 12-DOF quadruped layout with 12 high-torque actuators
- Aluminum structural platform with CNC-machined and sheet-metal components
- Hot-swappable battery dock concept for easier charging and field operation
- Custom motherboard for Jetson, power, sensor, and communication integration
- IMU and CAN-based joint telemetry for robot state feedback
- Open frame for expansion with room for sensors, radios, compute, and research payloads
Pricing and Production
| Price | $4,999 per unit |
| Production | Small-batch, hand-assembled and tested before shipping. |
| Support | Access to open-source CAD, wiring, BOM, setup guides, and software resources. |
Talk to the Engineering Team
D1 is a serious development platform. For technical questions, research use cases, custom integration, or partnership conversations, contact the engineering team directly:
- Phone: +1 (214) 407-1346 - Frank Fu
- Email: frankfu@navbot.com
What's in the Box
- 1x NavBot-D1 quadruped robot, assembled and calibrated
- Battery packs and charger
- LoRa / joystick control hardware where included by configuration
- Access to open-source CAD, wiring, BOM, setup guides, and software resources
- Quick-start and developer setup documentation