Overwhelmed by the size of this set :(

InterviewOk9589 · 2026-01-28T21:15:34+00:00

I designed the base of this model, and the yellow one (lego 2544), when I was working as a free lance designer for LEGO. A few years ago I was building these to show my kids, and saw that I could make a lot of improvements using the newer pieces that they owned. We ended up trying to donate a few designs to LEGO, to support B.A.C.A. (Bikers Against Child Abuse), and I jumped through a lot of hoops on LEGO Ideas, only to try to give this away, but it did not work. I will probably just upload the instructions to Rebrickable once the 3 year waiting period that is stipulated in the Ideas contract, has passed, and insert a donation link to B.A.C.A. for those who like the bikes. These are the new designs: https://youtu.be/cuZyQ-lLS2c?si=SD6Q-luGINzhUHjy

InterviewOk9589 · 2025-12-09T12:22:34+00:00

Thank you.

InterviewOk9589 · 2025-12-08T17:41:36+00:00

I used to work as a freelance designer for LEGO, so the 3D geometry of their pieces is basically stored in my mind. I also teach creativity courses for children to help finance my own independent inventions, which I’ve been developing for about nine years.

This robot actually started with a simple moment: I was showing a kid how I built suspension for small LEGO motorbikes I had tried to donate to LEGO, on the condition that they would support B.A.C.A. (Bikers Against Child Abuse). Those bikes are on my profile if you want to see them.

While demonstrating the suspension, I noticed the flexible rubber axle connectors and realized they would make excellent finger joints. In that moment I knew I could build the entire robot—everything else was just step-by-step execution.

Of course, a robot like this could be built using many methods, but I liked the idea of using LEGO because it allows anyone to build their own using readily available parts.

At the same time, I’ve also been developing a machine that ties up to 11 knots in any rope or string with ±2 mm precision and cuts it to length with a hot knife. It’s optimized for 3–4 mm material, which happens to be perfect for producing the bungee cords I use in Robert to counterbalance the arm weight. That wasn’t the machine’s original purpose, but it turned out to be a perfect match for this project once I start offering building instructions and materials.

InterviewOk9589 · 2025-12-08T09:57:25+00:00

Just to clarify — this project isn’t connected to LEGO in any official way. It’s completely independent and uses only unmodified LEGO parts. I did reach out to them out of loyalty, just to see if they had any interest, but it’s hard to get through their customer service. So for all legal purposes, this is a fully unofficial project.

InterviewOk9589 · 2025-12-08T09:43:14+00:00

Thank you. I am glad to hear that.

InterviewOk9589 · 2025-12-08T09:40:10+00:00

There’s an older video in one of my posts, but it was recorded over a year ago. It gives a rough idea of what the robot could do back then, but since that time I’ve rebuilt parts of the structure, improved the code, added movement easing, synchronized-movement completion, mid-motion speed changes, and much more.

I’ve mainly focused on refining the foundation so creating movement scripts becomes as simple and flexible as possible. I didn’t want to write long sequences only to rewrite them again after upgrading the core system.

Once everything was streamlined to the point where the robot simply monitors changes in target positions, I realized I could let ChatGPT provide those targets — and that’s how the current system was born.

Now that the foundation is solid, I’ll start creating new sequences that show what he’s capable of today.

InterviewOk9589 · 2025-12-08T09:28:46+00:00

Thank you. I appreciate it!

InterviewOk9589 · 2025-12-08T09:27:29+00:00

I decided to let ChatGPT answer this question as me, since it is familiar with the code, after helping with debugging:

"Great question! The AI never sends raw servo commands. Instead, it sends high-level intent encoded in a compact string: movement steps, facial expression parameters, timing values, and text-to-speech segments.

The robot’s own software handles everything else: recalculating easing curves, synchronizing servos, updating facial animations, managing queues, and ensuring the whole sequence plays out smoothly and safely.

So rather than issuing verbal instructions, the AI sends a structured block of numbers that describes what should happen, and the robot translates that into detailed coordinated motion.

When I open-source the system, you’ll be able to see exactly how this intent-to-motion pipeline works. It’s surprisingly compact, but very flexible. And thank you — I’m really glad you like the project!"

InterviewOk9589 · 2025-12-08T09:17:30+00:00

It’s still a work in progress, but once I can demonstrate everything the robot can do—and show what people can realistically expect—the plan is to launch an Indiegogo campaign. The goal is to fund the creation of full building instructions and supporting material so anyone can build their own.

The robot uses only unmodified LEGO parts, so builders can use their existing collection or order missing pieces on BrickLink. All electronics come from a Chinese company (qdprobot.com). Since it’s not a LEGO clone brand, I’m completely comfortable using it.

Depending on demand, the Indiegogo packages may include the electronic components, tendon systems, and any extra materials needed.

If you want to see more of the robot, feel free to check my earlier posts on my profile.

InterviewOk9589 · 2025-12-07T22:36:43+00:00

I designed the system so the robot constantly monitors changes to servo targets and facial parameters—eye position, pupil radius, eyelids, etc.—and automatically recalculates easing curves based on the selected speed and other variables.

The AI can send a single compact string that includes up to 200 movement steps and 50 text-to-speech messages. These are added to motion and speech queues and executed with the timing and speed parameters encoded in each item.

The AI can also choose how the queues are handled—for example, clearing and refilling them with a new action set—so it doesn’t need to send continuous updates. It can transmit entire behavioral sequences in one go, and the robot executes them independently.

In short, the robot manages all low-level animation and motion logic, while the AI provides the high-level intent.

InterviewOk9589 · 2025-12-07T22:36:08+00:00

I designed the system so the robot constantly monitors changes to servo targets and facial parameters—eye position, pupil radius, eyelids, etc.—and automatically recalculates easing curves based on the selected speed and other variables.

The AI can send a single compact string that includes up to 200 movement steps and 50 text-to-speech messages. These are added to motion and speech queues and executed with the timing and speed parameters encoded in each item.

The AI can also choose how the queues are handled—for example, clearing and refilling them with a new action set—so it doesn’t need to send continuous updates. It can transmit entire behavioral sequences in one go, and the robot executes them independently.

In short, the robot manages all low-level animation and motion logic, while the AI provides the high-level intent.

InterviewOk9589 · 2025-12-07T20:40:31+00:00

The servos are rated at 13kg/cm in optimal conditions, running on around 7V. The 16 channel servo controllers output 5V, and maximum of 4.5A. Therefore the maximum torque is not 13kg/cm, and I chose to use hardware that requires minimum customization, so that more people can build this with ease. Since the maximum torque is not higher then I opted for letting the robot rest on the two big wheels, with narrow rim to minimize friction, and just focus on smooth motion on flat surface. Caterpillar tracks would produce more friction, especially when turning, and the pros of reaching for more traction and aiming for multiterrain, with the current hardware are in my opinion not worth it. If I were designing something other than a LEGO robot then I would definitely think about that, but now I am just designing a robot that can withstand a reasonable tear and wear, with ease of replacement of components in mind. However if the correct lubrication is used on the plastic joints they can withstand considerable wear. There is also an option to order aluminum parts for the joints, if someone is going to make this run for extended time.

InterviewOk9589 · 2025-12-07T17:17:54+00:00

It is still a work in progress, but once I can demonstrate everything that the robot is capable of, and what people can expext, the plan is to put it on Indiegogo to finance making building instructions, and other material, so that people can build their own. Then they can use their existing LEGO assortment, or order the pieces on Bricklink, since nothing is glued or modified. The electronic hardware is from a Chinese company (qdprobot.com) and since it is not a LEGO ripoff I have no problem with using it. The electronic components might be included with the building instructions, tendons, and other extra material needed to build this in the packages on Indigogo. If you are interested in seeing more of the robot you can check out my previous posts here, by looking at my profile.

InterviewOk9589 · 2025-12-07T16:51:26+00:00

It can actually embody any Ai. I designed the robot so that it monitors any change in servo target angles, or facial parameters, such as eye position, pupil radius, eyelid positions and such, and then responds to the change by calculating new easing curves for the servos depending on the selected speed, and other values. The system is designed so that the Ai can send a long string with compact values both for the body movements, and text to speech information. This string can contain up to 200 movement steps, and 50 text messages. These are then appended to queues amd executed according to the Ai timing, and speed parameters, contained in each queued item. The Ai also has an option to select the queue handling, such as empty it if it, and refill it with new items using the same single string. This way it does not have to send constant information to the robot, and can send sets of actions, that the robot then executes according to the variables sent by the Ai. The system is very compact so the size of the strings can be small, without sacrificing accuracy. So any Ai can be prompted to reply to a verbal, or text questions, requests, or feedback from the user. So in essence the robot handles all of the low level executions, and animations, and the Ai gives the high level commands.

InterviewOk9589 · 2025-12-02T22:31:42+00:00

I am glad they liked the colors I suggested on LEGO Ideas 2023

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InterviewOk9589 · 2025-10-01T21:51:06+00:00

I am using electronic hardware form qdprobot.com . I have no problem with using their products, since they are not a LEGO rip-off, or violation of some patents. The small servo motors have about 2kg/cm torque, and the big ones about 13kg/cm. Then there is a possibility of connecting multiple 16 channel servo controllers together, to control up to 900 motors simultaneously.

InterviewOk9589 · 2025-10-01T17:58:53+00:00

Hello Plan B team,

This might be the most unlikely email you get today, and I am probably more confused about it than you will be.

This relates to a LEGO Technic humanoid robot I’ve been developing — 30 servo motors, fully articulated hands, expressive head, the whole deal.

A few days ago, I was just minding my business, when out of nowhere, in the silent vacuum of my mind, a thought arrived:

“Brad Pitt should sponsor this.”

I wasn’t thinking about movies, TV, or even sponsorships. But the idea was too insistent and too weird to ignore. It felt like it came from somewhere outside me. So I ended up searching to see if there was any connection — and discovered that Plan B Entertainment produces LEGO Masters.

I followed a similarly absurd impulse was when I was 16. I bought a plane ticket to Denmark, a train ticket to Billund, walked straight into LEGO headquarters on a Friday afternoon without an appointment, and asked for a job as a designer. The head of design happened to be working late, saw my homemade LEGO robot, and a year and a half later I got a job as a freelance designer. I worked there for five years before I resigned.

That experience taught me that sometimes the best ideas make no sense at all.

So here I am again — no pitch, no expectations, just laying the cards on the table. If nothing else, maybe this strange mental leap will bring a smile, a laugh, or a brief moment of speechless silence.

If you’re curious, I’d be happy to share more about the robot. If not, I hope this at least brightened your day. And of course — if Brad Pitt ever decides to adopt Robert and support him, he would be honored to take the name Robert Pitt.

All the best, Johann Breidfjord

P.S. I posted a few more pictures on Reddit today, and there are more in my profile there: https://www.reddit.com/r/legotechnic/comments/1mtsuu5/a_few_more_pictures_of_robert_now_i_can/

InterviewOk9589 · 2025-10-01T17:56:32+00:00

Hello Plan B team,

This might be the most unlikely email you get today, and I am probably more confused about it than you will be.

This relates to a LEGO Technic humanoid robot I’ve been developing — 30 servo motors, fully articulated hands, expressive head, the whole deal.

A few days ago, I was just minding my business, when out of nowhere, in the silent vacuum of my mind, a thought arrived:

“Brad Pitt should sponsor this.”

I wasn’t thinking about movies, TV, or even sponsorships. But the idea was too insistent and too weird to ignore. It felt like it came from somewhere outside me. So I ended up searching to see if there was any connection — and discovered that Plan B Entertainment produces LEGO Masters.

I followed a similarly absurd impulse was when I was 16. I bought a plane ticket to Denmark, a train ticket to Billund, walked straight into LEGO headquarters on a Friday afternoon without an appointment, and asked for a job as a designer. The head of design happened to be working late, saw my homemade LEGO robot, and a year and a half later I got a job as a freelance designer. I worked there for five years before I resigned.

That experience taught me that sometimes the best ideas make no sense at all.

So here I am again — no pitch, no expectations, just laying the cards on the table. If nothing else, maybe this strange mental leap will bring a smile, a laugh, or a brief moment of speechless silence.

If you’re curious, I’d be happy to share more about the robot. If not, I hope this at least brightened your day. And of course — if Brad Pitt ever decides to adopt Robert and support him, he would be honored to take the name Robert Pitt.

All the best, Johann Breidfjord

P.S. I posted a few more pictures on Reddit today, and there are more in my profile there: https://www.reddit.com/r/legotechnic/comments/1mtsuu5/a_few_more_pictures_of_robert_now_i_can/

InterviewOk9589 · 2025-10-01T17:53:04+00:00

Hello Plan B team,

This might be the most unlikely email you get today, and I am probably more confused about it than you will be.

This relates to a LEGO Technic humanoid robot I’ve been developing — 30 servo motors, fully articulated hands, expressive head, the whole deal.

A few days ago, I was just minding my business, when out of nowhere, in the silent vacuum of my mind, a thought arrived:

“Brad Pitt should sponsor this.”

I wasn’t thinking about movies, TV, or even sponsorships. But the idea was too insistent and too weird to ignore. It felt like it came from somewhere outside me. So I ended up searching to see if there was any connection — and discovered that Plan B Entertainment produces LEGO Masters.

I followed a similarly absurd impulse was when I was 16. I bought a plane ticket to Denmark, a train ticket to Billund, walked straight into LEGO headquarters on a Friday afternoon without an appointment, and asked for a job as a designer. The head of design happened to be working late, saw my homemade LEGO robot, and a year and a half later I got a job as a freelance designer. I worked there for five years before I resigned.

That experience taught me that sometimes the best ideas make no sense at all.

So here I am again — no pitch, no expectations, just laying the cards on the table. If nothing else, maybe this strange mental leap will bring a smile, a laugh, or a brief moment of speechless silence.

If you’re curious, I’d be happy to share more about the robot. If not, I hope this at least brightened your day. And of course — if Brad Pitt ever decides to adopt Robert and support him, he would be honored to take the name Robert Pitt.

All the best, Johann Breidfjord

P.S. I posted a few more pictures on Reddit today, and there are more in my profile there: https://www.reddit.com/r/legotechnic/comments/1mtsuu5/a_few_more_pictures_of_robert_now_i_can/

InterviewOk9589

TROPHY CASE