Make: Volume 93

Humanoid robots aren’t just for mega-corps and secretive startups. In this issue of Make:, we show you how to use AI programs and open source plans to experiment and build your own humanoid helpers right now! In our cover story, build VoxHead, a fully animated, embodied AI, humanoid head from scratch. Then, we catch up with Gael Langevin about the continuing evolution of open source humanoid InMoov: new facial expressions, integrated AI, and even synthetic skin! Plus, humanoid robots need a trusty canine companion — build a cute, athletic, quadruped pupper with an AI chatbot brain and powerful QDD actuators. But how do we make all these futuristic robots move? Dive into our primer on field-oriented control for brushless motors, the tech that lets bots run and jump like never before.

Then, we revisit our ultimate maker tools for your workshop. The kicker: a pie-in-the-sky workshop from 20 years ago is now affordable for makers! But our visit to Lawrence Berkeley National Labs also shows there’s always a crazier workshop out there.

Plus 17 projects, including:

• Construct a tiny houseboat for day trips and camping that packs down to fit in an SUV
• Use inverse kinematics to give a robot arm sketchbot pinpoint accuracy
• Fly a lively, no-sew kite using Tyvek fabric and 3D-printed connectors
• Block-print computational moiré patterns with Open Press Project and p5.js.
• Build a laser communicator using logic chips to send secret codes securely
• Make flexible pushbuttons and switches for wearable electronics
• Assemble a 100W fast-charging battery bank using lithium cells salvaged from disposable vapes
• And much more!