PLEN 2 robot: The Portable Personal Assistant Robot

PLEN 2 robot is a small, open-source humanoid robot designed for education, research, and entertainment. It can walk, dance, gesture, and perform other motions using 18 movable joints, and it can be controlled wirelessly via smartphone, tablet, or computer.

PLEN 2 robot

The PLEN 2 robot is a small, open-source humanoid robot known for its fun and interactive abilities, including dancing. Its hardware and software are fully open-source, allowing users to 3D-print parts, modify its design, and program custom movements, making it popular for STEM learning and robotics hobby projects.

When dancing, the PLEN 2 can move arms, legs, and head in coordinated patterns to music. It can perform choreographed dance routines that can be pre-programmed or downloaded from the PLEN community’s library. It can dance in sync with other PLEN robots if programmed for group performances. It can use its 10 joints (3 per leg, 3 per arm, and 1 in the waist) to create expressive, human-like dance moves. It can be controlled via smartphone or computer, allowing real-time dance commands or playback of saved routines.

Its dancing isn’t just for fun — it’s also a showcase of its motor precision, balance, and programmability, which is why PLEN 2 is popular for STEM education and robotics hobbyists.

PLEN 2 robot

PLEN 2 robot features

Physical & Design

• Type: Miniature open-source humanoid robot.
• Height: ~20 cm (8 inches).
• Weight: ~700 g.
• Material: Mostly 3D-printable parts (customizable frame).
• Joints: 18 movable joints (degrees of freedom) – 6 in legs, 6 in arms, 2 in hands, 1 in waist, 3 in head/neck.

Control & Programming

• Wireless connectivity: Bluetooth for remote control.
• Control devices include smartphones, tablets, or PCs.
• Programming languages: Supports Arduino IDE, JavaScript, and other open-source frameworks.
• Motion editor: Custom software to create and store movement sequences.
• Open-source software & hardware for modifications and upgrades.

Capabilities

• Walking, turning, and dancing.
• Gestures: Waving, handshakes, kicks, and other motions.
• Balancing on two legs for short periods.
• Custom choreography for performances.
• Community-shared motion library for downloading pre-made routines.

Power

• Battery: Rechargeable lithium polymer.
• Charging: USB connection.
• Operation time: Typically under 1 hour of continuous use (varies by activity).

Extra

• STEM education focus – teaches robotics, coding, and mechanical design.
• Lightweight & portable – easy to carry for demos or classes.
• Highly customizable with 3D printing and code modifications.

PLEN 2 robot advantages 

• Open-source design: Both hardware and software are open, allowing hobbyists, students, and developers to modify and improve it.
• Compact and lightweight: PLEN 2 robot is easy to transport, store, and use in classrooms or at home.
• Educational value: PLEN 2 robot is great for learning robotics, coding, and mechanical design.
• Customizable: Parts can be 3D-printed, and movements can be reprogrammed.
• Wireless control: PLEN 2 robot can be operated via smartphone, tablet, or computer through Bluetooth.
• Entertainment abilities: PLEN 2 robot can dance, walk, kick, wave, and perform fun tricks.
• Community support: Access to shared routines, software updates, and troubleshooting help from PLEN’s user community.

Disadvantages of PLEN 2 robot

• Limited strength and payload: PLEN 2 robot is not suitable for heavy lifting or industrial use.
• Short battery life: Frequent charging is needed during extended use.
• Slow walking speed: Mobility is limited compared to advanced humanoid robots.
• Small size: PLEN 2 robot is fun to watch, but not as functional for large-scale tasks.
• Requires programming knowledge: Beginners may need time to learn how to customize movements.
• Basic sensors: Limited environmental awareness compared to more advanced robots.

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