By Safear Defense Private Limited – Bengaluru
3-Day Workshop conducted at BMS College of Engineering
The Robotics-Dog project showcases an intelligent quadruped robot designed to mimic animal-like movements using MicroPython on the PilotX microcontroller.
This project was developed and demonstrated during a 3-day hands-on workshop at BMS College of Engineering, aimed at teaching students real-world applications of robotics, embedded systems, and motion control.
The workshop focused on learning-based robotics development, helping students and developers understand the fundamentals of multi-servo motion control, pose transitions, and autonomous behavior through practical experimentation.
The PilotX Microcontroller, developed by Safear Defense Private Limited – Bengaluru, is a high-performance embedded control platform engineered for robotics, UAVs, and autonomous systems.
It supports MicroPython programming, real-time telemetry, and sensor-rich applications, making it ideal for projects like the Robotics-Dog.
- 🧩 12 Configurable I/O Pins (Digital / PWM / Analog)
- 📡 Built-In 2.4GHz Telemetry & Receiver
- 📶 PPM Input Compatibility for RC integration
- 🧭 Built-In Compass (Magnetometer)
- 🌐 GPS Module Support via UART
- 🔌 I²C Bus Support for 16+ Sensors
- ⚡ Operating Voltage: 3.3V – 5.0V
- Language: MicroPython
- Connection: USB / 2.4GHz Wireless
- Firmware: Upgradable via Bootloader
- Applications: Robotics, IoT, Drones, Research
PlannerX, developed by Safear Defense Private Limited – Bengaluru, is a comprehensive Ground Control Station (GCS) software used for real-time monitoring, parameter tuning, and mission planning.
It supports a wide range of vehicle types — including rovers, robotic arms, rockets, and drones — and integrates seamlessly with the PilotX platform.
- Real-time telemetry monitoring
- PID tuning and parameter configuration
- Mission and path planning tools
- Graphical dashboards for visualization
- Multi-vehicle support (Rover, Drone, Robotic Arm, Rocket)
- 100% Offline Operation — Free Lifetime Access
- Software: PlannerX GCS
- Developer: Safear Defense Pvt. Ltd. – Bengaluru
- Platform: Windows
- License: Free (Lifetime Access)
- Documentation: Read Manual
- Design a quadruped robot that performs realistic, smooth movements.
- Implement pose-based servo control using MicroPython.
- Demonstrate interactive actions such as handshake, walking, and sleeping.
- Integrate motion logic, sensors, and software for smart behavior.
The robot dog is driven by eight servo motors, each controlling a leg joint.
The system uses MicroPython to coordinate servo movement through smooth interpolation and pose sequencing.
-
Servo Initialization:
Sets all servos to a neutral (standing) position. -
Smooth Motion Function (
move_servos_smooth()):
Moves servos gradually to their target angles for lifelike motion. -
Defined Poses:
- 🐕 Stand Pose: Upright neutral stance
- 🪑 Sit Pose: Rear legs lowered
- 💤 Sleep Pose: Fully relaxed position
- ⚙️ Work Pose: Active mode
-
Action Sequences:
- 🤝 Handshake Motion: Raises and lowers front leg repeatedly.
- 🔁 Pose Transitions: Moves through stand → sit → sleep → work positions.
- 🚶 Walking Sequence: Alternates leg movements to simulate walking (20 seconds).
-
Timing Control:
Usesutimeandsleep()for precise motion pacing.
By completing this workshop project, participants learned how to:
- Control multiple servos using MicroPython
- Create pose-based robotic movement sequences
- Implement smooth servo interpolation for realistic motion
- Design simple robotic behaviors with embedded logic
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Microcontroller | PilotX (Safear Defense Pvt. Ltd.) |
| Servo Motors | 8 × 180° Standard Servos |
| Power Supply | 5V DC (2A or above) |
| Communication | 2.4GHz Telemetry via PlannerX |
| Optional Modules | GPS, Compass, Ultrasonic, IMU |
- Programming Language: MicroPython
- IDE / Tool: PlannerX or compatible MicroPython IDE
- Upload Method: USB / Telemetry Interface
- Execution: Continuous motion control sequence
- Integration of IMU sensors for dynamic balance
- Voice or gesture control support
- Autonomous walking with GPS and ultrasonic sensors
- Real-time pose visualization in PlannerX
This project was part of a 3-Day Hands-On Robotics & Embedded Systems Workshop conducted at BMS College of Engineering, in collaboration with Safear Defense Private Limited – Bengaluru.
Participants learned about:
- Embedded control with the PilotX microcontroller
- Programming in MicroPython
- Robotic motion design and servo interfacing
- Real-time control using PlannerX GCS
The workshop concluded with a live demonstration of the Robotics-Dog performing handshake, walking, and pose sequences.
Safear Defense Private Limited, based in Bengaluru, India, specializes in robotics, autonomous systems, and defense-grade embedded technologies.
Their innovations — PilotX (microcontroller platform) and PlannerX (GCS software) — enable students, engineers, and researchers to build intelligent, real-time robotic systems.
This project is open for educational and non-commercial use under standard open-source guidelines.
Please credit Safear Defense Pvt. Ltd. when using or adapting this work.