EngineAI SA01 EDU Open-Source Bipedal Robot

Before a humanoid can carry, wave or work, it has to walk. Balance, foot placement and recovery are where most legged robotics research begins, and where most of it is still happening. You do not need arms, hands or a head to study them; you need two capable legs, joints strong enough to push off the ground, and code you can read and change. The EngineAI SA01 EDU is exactly that: a bipedal platform reduced to what locomotion research needs, and opened up from hardware to control software.

Background

The SA01 was EngineAI's first product, introduced as an open source bipedal robot for research and education. EngineAI, a Shenzhen based humanoid robot company, has since built the compact PM01 and the full size T800 humanoids, but the SA01 remains its most direct entry point into legged robotics. See all EngineAI robots.

Specifications

*According to published specifications. Confirm final values with your order.

Key Features

Open from Hardware to Code

EngineAI publishes the SA01's complete hardware architecture and interfaces, along with its motion control algorithms and software framework. Students can read how a bipedal controller actually works, and researchers can modify it or replace it with their own, rather than working around a closed system.

Strong, Precise Joints

EngineAI's own S160 joint modules deliver up to 160 N·m of peak torque at the hips and knees, enough for walking, running and jumping experiments. Dual absolute magnetic encoders in each joint let the robot recover its exact position quickly after power cycles, and each joint has a built in safety mechanism.

Natural, Straight Knee Gait

EngineAI describes the SA01 as walking with a self developed straight knee gait, closer to the way people walk than the bent knee crouch many legged robots use. That makes it a useful reference for human like locomotion research.

Built for Experimentation

An aviation grade aluminum frame, a payload of up to about 10 to 15 kg and a customizable mechanical structure let teams mount sensors, computers or modules such as robotic arms on top of the legs.

Long Sessions, Quick Swaps

A 15 Ah, 0.819 kWh battery gives about two hours per charge and swaps quickly, and the robot is rated from -20 °C to 55 °C for indoor and outdoor tests.

Applications

• Locomotion research: walking, running, balance and push recovery.
• Reinforcement learning: training gaits in simulation and testing them on real legs.
• University teaching: courses on legged robotics, dynamics and control.
• Hardware experiments: custom sensors, payloads and upper body modules.
• Student teams: an affordable, open platform for projects and competitions.

Explore more educational robots, research robots and bipedal humanoids.

Who Should Buy the EngineAI SA01 EDU?

Buy the SA01 EDU if your work or teaching focuses on legged locomotion and you want open hardware and code without paying for arms, hands and computing you will not use. It suits universities, robotics labs, reinforcement learning researchers, technical colleges and student teams.

Which Should You Buy?

Before You Buy

• Know what it is: the SA01 is a pair of legs and a pelvis, with no arms, head or onboard AI computer listed; plan for your own compute if your work needs it.
• Review the code: check EngineAI's open source control code, simulation tools and documentation before you build your course or project.
• Prepare a support gantry: early walking experiments need a frame or harness to catch falls.
• Plan payloads: confirm mounting points and weight limits before adding sensors or modules.
• Plan safety: a 40 kg biped with 160 N·m joints needs clear test zones and emergency stop procedures.
• Order spares: a second battery keeps sessions running beyond two hours.
• Ask about support: confirm warranty, spare parts and repairs in your region.

Pricing and Availability

The EngineAI SA01 EDU is available to buy directly from this page. Current price and availability are shown at the top of the page. Add it to your cart to order, or add it to your quote for classroom sets, multiple units or spare batteries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the EngineAI SA01 EDU?

It is an open source bipedal robot from EngineAI for locomotion research and education, with 12 degrees of freedom across two legs.

Does the SA01 have arms?

No. It is a bipedal platform made of legs and a pelvis, but its structure supports adding modules such as robotic arms.

How strong are its joints?

The hip and knee joints reach 160 N·m of peak torque.

How long does the battery last?

About two hours from a 15 Ah, 0.819 kWh quick swap battery.

Is it really open source?

EngineAI publishes its hardware architecture and interfaces as well as its motion control algorithms and software framework.

Can it work outdoors?

It is rated for -20 °C to 55 °C. Confirm protection against dust and water for your test conditions.

How much does the EngineAI SA01 EDU cost?

The current price is shown at the top of this page.

Where can I buy the EngineAI SA01 EDU?

You can buy it right here on this page. Add it to your cart or request a quote.

Summary

The EngineAI SA01 EDU strips a humanoid down to what locomotion research needs: two 6-DOF legs, 160 N·m joints, a quick swap battery and open hardware and code. For labs, classrooms and student teams studying how robots walk, it is an affordable, transparent platform to learn on and build from. If you are ready to buy, order it from this page or add it to a quote for a classroom set.