Palo Alto, CA – K-Scale Labs, a burgeoning robotics startup, has announced the first delivery of its open-source K-Bot humanoid robot to Harryoc493, known online as the "Robot Chiropractor." This milestone marks a significant step for the company, which aims to democratize access to advanced robotics for developers and researchers. The delivery was confirmed by The Humanoid Hub, stating, > "Congrats to @Harryoc493, the 'Robot Chiropractor', who received the first K-Bot. 🎊"
The K-Bot is a full-size humanoid robot, standing 4 feet 7 inches (1.4 meters) tall and weighing 77 pounds (34 kg). Designed for affordability and accessibility, it is priced at $8,999 for the initial 100 units, with shipping expected to commence in late 2025. K-Scale Labs, founded by veterans from Meta, Tesla, and Boston Dynamics, envisions the K-Bot as a platform for the next era of general-purpose robotics.
Harryoc493, the recipient, is a prominent figure in the AI community, recognized for his insights into the future of robotics and artificial intelligence. With a background that includes stints at Microsoft, Rackspace, and Fast Company, he has authored several books on emerging technologies. His self-proclaimed title, "Robot Chiropractor," reflects his deep engagement with the intersection of human and robotic capabilities.
K-Scale Labs' strategic approach involves open-sourcing nearly every aspect of the K-Bot, from its hardware and custom Rust-based operating system (K-OS) to its simulation tools and AI models. This open model is intended to foster a collaborative community, accelerating innovation in humanoid robotics. The company aims for the K-Bot to achieve full autonomy by 2028, continuously upgrading its capabilities through software enhancements.
The delivery to a well-known thought leader like Harryoc493 underscores K-Scale Labs' commitment to engaging the developer community from the outset. This move positions the K-Bot not just as a product, but as a catalyst for a grassroots robotics revolution, akin to the early days of personal computing. The company believes that widespread access to such advanced hardware will unlock unprecedented advancements in embodied AI.