Selfright1

Selfright1 is an open-source hardware and software platform designed to enable autonomous self-righting in small mobile robots. The system aims to detect when a robot has tipped or overturned and to execute a controlled sequence of movements to restore an upright orientation.

Core components include an inertial measurement unit (IMU) with accelerometer and gyroscope, a microcontroller or single-board computer, and actuators such as hobby servos or motorized wheels capable of reorientation. The software stack provides sensor fusion to estimate pose, a state machine for determining overturned states, and a self-righting controller that issues actuator commands. The project emphasizes modular hardware compatibility and extensible firmware to support a range of chassis geometries.

Selfright1 originated from a collaborative effort among robotics hobbyists and researchers and was released as an open-source project. Documentation covers hardware schematics, firmware source code, simulation models, and integration guides. The project uses permissive licensing to encourage adaptation in education, research, and hobbyist contexts.

Applications include educational robotics kits, search-and-rescue training scenarios, and demonstration platforms for autonomous stabilization concepts. The project is often used to illustrate topics in control theory, sensor fusion, and mechanical design.

Reception within the maker and academic communities has been positive for its accessible documentation and emphasis on safety and reliability. Critics note that real-world self-righting requires careful mechanical design, power budgeting, and robust fault handling.

See also: self-righting mechanism, autonomous robot, robotics education.