Intellisaurus – Build a Walking Smart Dinosaur Robot

Intellisaurus – Build a Walking Smart Dinosaur Robot

Discover the Intellisaurus, an open‑source kit that lets you assemble an 8‑inch walking dinosaur robot in just a few hours. No soldering or programming is required for the basic build, but the design supports advanced AI integration and custom shell creation.

Now open source on GitHub: https://github.com/JacquinBuchanan/Intellisaurus

What Can You Do With Intellisaurus?

Intellisaurus is designed for makers of all skill levels:

• Beginner: Follow the step‑by‑step guide, assemble the robot, and watch it walk.
• Intermediate: Attach the AI hardware to enable Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, turning the dinosaur into a mobile smart speaker.
• Advanced: Dive into the source code on GitHub, tweak the firmware, or create new 3D‑printed shells such as Triceratops, Stegosaurus, or Dragon.

The robot’s core is an Arduino Nano that drives the servos, while a Raspberry Pi Zero W provides Wi‑Fi connectivity for cloud‑based AI services. All parts and instructions are freely available.

Base Kit Contents

The base kit includes:

• Electronics: Arduino Nano, Raspberry Pi Zero W, IR receiver, and power circuitry.
• Motors & servos, sensors, and a complete set of screws and bolts.
• Plastic parts and mounting hardware for the chassis.
• An IR remote controller for manual operation.

The only items not in the kit are the two 18650 batteries; you’ll need to supply those. A small Phillips screwdriver is the sole tool required for assembly.

Customization & Open‑Source Freedom

All firmware is released under an open‑source license, allowing you to:

• Replace the built‑in AI with your own algorithms.
• Re‑flash the Raspberry Pi with custom software.
• Export the 3D models for the shell and modify them in any CAD program.

Whether you’re looking for a fun project or a platform to experiment with AI, Intellisaurus offers a versatile foundation.