UCLA researchers develop PhoneBot humanoid robot using old smartphones

Researchers at UCLA have developed PhoneBot, an open-source humanoid robot platform designed to utilize old Android smartphones as its central processing and sensing unit. By leveraging the existing camera, motion sensors, and processor of a smartphone, the system significantly reduces the cost of robotics research and education.

The robot stands approximately 48 centimeters tall, weighs 1.8 kilograms, and utilizes 13 servo motors for movement. While the smartphone serves as the brain, the additional hardware cost is estimated at approximately $400. In demonstrations, PhoneBot has shown the ability to walk on two legs, track people using its camera, and right itself after falling face down.

Designed to make robotics more accessible, the platform has been tested with various devices, including a 2017 Honor 9. Future research aims to enable the robot to navigate uneven terrain and add lightweight arms to allow for object manipulation.