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4 layers82.5 × 39.4 mmV4head, the printed circuit board in 3D

An open source framework for creating a bipedal modular companion robot.

Size
82.5 × 39.4 mm
Copper layers
4
Thickness
1.6 mm
Parts
26
Nets
43
Pads
144
Tracks, vias
207, 10
Pours
2
Routed
Yes
KiCad
KiCad 7 (file 20221018)
Created
2 Jun 2019
Updated
6 Oct 2026

Overview

V4head is an open-source printed circuit board by makerforgetech, from the makerforgetech/modular-biped repository on GitHub, published under the GPL-3.0 licence. It is a 4-layer board of 82.5 × 39.4 mm with 26 parts on 43 nets, routed with 207 tracks and 10 vias.

It is built around the SK6812MINI-E. Its parts include 5 capacitors and 5 diodes. It belongs with the robots and motor control boards of this library.

Main components

1

README

README.md

Open Source, 3D Printable, Modular Bipedal Robot Project

The Modular Bipedal Robot project aims to educate and inspire individuals interested in robotics and electronics. This open-source initiative focuses on creating a fully autonomous companion robot with a variety of advanced features.

Key Features

  • Bipedal Design: The robot includes articulated legs for bipedal movement.
  • Control Systems: Utilizes Arduino and Raspberry Pi, managed through custom PCBs.
  • Modular Body: Configurable body components allow for easy customization and adaptability.
  • Software Modules:
    • Animation: Handles the animation of the robot, including walking, turning, and other movements.
    • Braillespeak: Converts text to Braille and speaks it using a proprietary audio output using the onboard buzzer.
    • Buzzer: Controls the buzzer for audio output. Includes the ability to play tones and melodies.
    • ChatGPT: Uses the OpenAI GPT models to process text based on user input.
    • Logging: Logs data to a file for debugging and analysis.
    • Motion Detection: Handles motion detection using an onboard microwave motion sensor.
    • Neopixel: Controls the onboard Neopixel LEDs for visual feedback.
    • PiServo: Controls the servos connected to the Raspberry Pi.
    • PiTemperature: Reads the temperature from the integrated temperature sensor on the Raspberry Pi.
    • RTLSDR: Uses an RTL-SDR dongle to receive and process radio signals.
    • Serial Connection: Handles serial communication between the Raspberry Pi and Arduino.
    • Servos: Controls the servos connected to the Arduino via the Raspberry Pi and the serial connection.
    • Tracking: Uses computer vision to track objects and faces using the onboard camera.
    • Translator: Translates text between languages using the Google Translate API.
    • TTS: Converts text to speech using the onboard speaker.
    • Viam: Uses the VIAM API to integrate Viam modules for additional functionality.
    • Vision: Handles image processing and computer vision tasks using the onboard IMX500 Raspberry Pi AI camera.
    • Read more!

Project Background

The Modular Biped Robot Project is designed to provide a flexible and modular framework for robotics development using Python and C++ on the Raspberry Pi and Arduino platforms. It aims to enable developers, robotics enthusiasts, and curious individuals to experiment, create, and customize their own biped robots. With a range of features and functionalities and the option to add your own easily, the Modular Biped Robot Project offers an exciting opportunity to explore the world of robotics.

Modularity

The open source framework is designed for flexibility, allowing users to easily add or remove components to suit their specific needs. Comprehensive guides are provided for integrating new modules seamlessly.

Resources

  • Documentation: For detailed information, visit the project’s GitHub wiki: Modular Biped Documentation
  • Code: Check out the modular open source software on GitHub
  • YouTube Playlist: Explore the development process through our build videos: Watch on YouTube
  • Community: Have a question or want to show off your build? Join the communities on GitHub and Discord!

Parts

26
QtyValueFootprintReferences
5C_SmallCapacitor_SMD:C_0201_0603MetricC1, C2, C3, C4, C5
5SK6812MINILED_SMD:LED_SK6812MINI_PLCC4_3.5x3.5mm_P1.75mmD1, D2, D3, D4, D5
3Conn_01x03Connector_JST:JST_XH_B3B-XH-A_1x03_P2.50mm_Vertical3V_EXT1, 5V_EXT1, NEO1
2Conn_01x02Connector_JST:JST_XH_B2B-XH-A_1x02_P2.50mm_VerticalPWR1, SERIAL1
2~MakerForgeComponents:SPH0645LM4HMIC1, MIC2
1Banana_Jack_1PinConnector:Banana_Jack_1PinHOLE
1BuzzerBuzzer_Beeper:Buzzer_12x9.5RM7.6BZ1
1Conn_01x03Connector_PinHeader_2.54mm:PinHeader_1x03_P2.54mm_VerticalSRV1
1Conn_01x04Connector_JST:JST_XH_B4B-XH-A_1x04_P2.50mm_VerticalI2C_EXT1
1I2C_NEOPIXELMakerForgeComponents:I2C_NEOPIXELI2C_NEO1
1Raspberry_Pi_2_3Connector_PinHeader_2.54mm:PinHeader_2x20_P2.54mm_VerticalPI1
1~MakerForgeComponents:MAX98357AMP1
1~MakerForgeComponents:RCWL-0516_MINRCWL-516
1~MakerForgeComponents:LCC_BIDIRECTIONALLLC1

Questions

How big is the V4head PCB?

It measures 82.5 × 39.4 mm and has 4 copper layers, 1.6 mm thick.

What parts does the V4head use?

26 parts, built around the SK6812MINI-E. The full list of its parts is on this page, with links to each part's symbol and footprint where PCBKit's library has them.

Where can I download the V4head KiCad files?

From the makerforgetech/modular-biped repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is circuits/v4/Head/v4head/v4head.kicad_pcb and its schematic circuits/v4/Head/v4head/v4head.kicad_sch. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.

Can I use the V4head design in my own project?

Its repository publishes it under the GPL-3.0 licence: you may reuse it on that licence's terms (keep the author's notice, and for a copyleft licence share your changes alike).

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