In a world where artificial intelligence and robotics are reshaping industries, Palo Alto-based K-Scale Labs is breaking new ground with its innovative K-Bot, an open-source humanoid robot designed for developers, researchers, and enthusiasts. Priced at just $8,999, with deliveries set to begin in July 2025, the K-Bot is poised to democratise robotics, making advanced technology accessible to all. Let’s dive into what makes this robot a game-changer. What is the K-Bot? The K-Bot is a 4'7" tall, 77-pound humanoid robot that blends cutting-edge hardware with an open-source software and machine learning stack. Unlike traditional robotics platforms, K-Scale Labs has engineered the K-Bot to be developer-friendly, allowing users to create and deploy AI-driven applications with ease. Whether you’re a hobbyist tinkering in your garage or a researcher pushing the boundaries of AI, the K-Bot offers unparalleled flexibility. Height and Weight: 4'7" tall, 77 lbs, making it compact yet robust. Actuators: Powerful 120 N·m actuators for human-like movement. Modular Design: Customisable end-effectors for diverse tasks. Operating System: K-Scale OS, built in Rust, supports advanced AI models. Why Open-Source Matters K-Scale Labs believes that the future of robotics lies in collaboration. By making the K-Bot’s hardware and software open-source, they’re inviting a global community of developers to contribute to its evolution. This approach not only accelerates innovation but also ensures that the technology remains affordable and auditable. As K-Scale Labs notes: “Highly-capable robots are poised to take over large amounts of labour in our homes and businesses, and in a democratic society, the only way to make rapid forward progress is if the benefits are widely shared.” Key Benefits of Open-Source Robotics Accessibility: Anyone with a 3D printer can build components, keeping costs low. Collaboration: Developers worldwide can share code, models, and data. Customisation: Tailor the K-Bot to specific tasks, from research to home automation. Pricing and Availability The K-Bot is priced at $8,999, a steal compared to other humanoid robots that can cost tens of thousands. For just a $100 deposit, you can pre-order your K-Bot today, with deliveries slated for July 2025. K-Scale Labs also offers a unique cash-back program, allowing developers to offset costs by sharing data through their community initiatives. Pre-Order Details: Price: $8,999 (Founder's Edition with Developer Kit). Pre-Order Deposit: $100. Delivery Date: July 2025. Purchase Link: K-Scale Labs Store. The Technology Behind K-Bot At the heart of the K-Bot is K-Scale’s integrated software and machine learning stack. The K-Scale Operating System (KOS), built in Rust, ensures high performance and reliability. It supports reinforcement learning (RL) and vision-language-action (VLA) models, enabling the robot to perform complex tasks like locomotion and object manipulation. The K-Bot’s hardware includes modular end-effectors and a hot-swappable battery, making it both versatile and user-friendly. For developers, K-Scale Labs provides open-source tools like K-Sim Gym, a reinforcement learning library, and K-Bot Joystick, a sample application for controlling the robot. These tools, available on GitHub, make it easy for anyone with Python skills to program the K-Bot. Who is K-Scale Labs? Founded in 2024 by Benjamin Bolte, K-Scale Labs is a Palo Alto-based startup backed by Y Combinator. Bolte, a former Tesla and Meta AI researcher, leads a team of engineers and roboticists dedicated to making robotics accessible. Their mission? To create a world where billions of general-purpose robots enhance human life. With 103 GitHub repositories and a vibrant developer community, K-Scale Labs is already making waves in the robotics industry. Key Takeaways The K-Bot is a 4'7", 77-pound open-source humanoid robot priced at $8,999. Pre-orders are open with a $100 deposit, and deliveries begin in July 2025. K-Scale Labs’ open-source approach fosters collaboration and affordability. The K-Bot integrates advanced AI and machine learning, supported by K-Scale OS. Ideal for developers, researchers, and hobbyists looking to innovate in robotics. Join the Robotics Revolution The K-Bot represents more than just a robot—it’s a movement towards a future where technology is open, collaborative, and accessible. Whether you’re a developer eager to code or a business exploring automation, K-Scale Labs is paving the way. Follow @ElymentGroup on X for the latest updates on robotics and innovation, or visit elyment.com.au to learn how we’re shaping the future of tech. The K-Bot, a 4'7" open-source humanoid robot by K-Scale Labs. Source Discover the Future Now .cta-btn:hover { background-color: #d96b1b; box-shadow: 0 0 20px rgba(217, 107, 27, 0.7); }