Students Build World's Smallest Humanoid Robot

A team of robotics students from Hong Kong has created the world’s smallest humanoid robot, breaking the Guinness World Record.

The small-scale robot stands at 5.55 inches, smaller than a ballpoint pen and is 0.44 inches smaller than the previous record holder.

To achieve the record, the robotics team, from Hong Kong’s Diocesan Boys’ School, had to ensure the robot had a range of motion, capable of articulating its shoulders, elbows, knees and hips.

It also had to be capable of bipedal movement. 

The students created the robot using computer-aided design software and used servo motors to enable the device’s movement. Servos are electronic devices that rotate and push parts of a machine, allowing the students’ robot to move its legs and arms.

The rest of the robot was made using 3D-printed components and acrylic panels. 

The small-scale design can be controlled using a mobile app, as well as from a servo control board.

According to the students, the robot could be used as a tool in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics) education workshops.

“We also plan to open-source the design and programming code to further our objectives of promoting STEAM education,” said Isaac Zachary To, one of the team members.