BoidKit: The Art of Motion, Engineered for Accessibility
A revolutionary hydraulic actuation platform that dramatically reduces the cost and complexity of advanced robotic systems.
How BoidKit Works
At its essence, BoidKit represents a fundamental rethinking of robotic actuation architecture. While conventional systems rely on numerous distributed electromechanical actuators—each with its own motor, gearbox, and controller—BoidKit employs a centralized hydraulic approach.
A single, efficient prime mover generates pressure for the entire system. This hydraulic power is then precisely directed through compact, multi-channel valve manifolds to lightweight, high-force artificial muscles.
This novel architecture dramatically reduces both cost and complexity, while maintaining—and in some aspects enhancing—performance characteristics essential for sophisticated robotics.
Centralized Power Source
A single, efficient prime mover generates hydraulic power for the entire system, reducing redundancy and overall cost.
Intelligent Distribution
Compact valve manifolds precisely control the flow of hydraulic fluid to multiple artificial muscles with minimal latency.
Lightweight Actuation
Hydraulic Artificial Muscles (HAMs) provide exceptional force-to-weight ratio and natural compliance, ideal for safe human interaction.
The BoidKit Advantage
Radical Cost Reduction
Traditional high-performance actuators typically cost $300-$2,000+ per degree of freedom. BoidKit's architecture fundamentally restructures this economics:
- Prime Mover (shared system cost): ~$37
- Per Additional DOF (HAM, Valve, Tubing): ~$2.49
For a 30-DOF system like a humanoid robot, this represents a potential reduction from $9,000-$60,000+ to approximately $110 for the actuation system.
Performance Without Compromise
BoidKit's hydraulic artificial muscles achieve impressive metrics:
- Force Output: Up to 150N per muscle (scalable)
- Contraction Ratio: Up to 25% of resting length
- Weight: Minimal compared to electromechanical equivalents
- Natural Compliance: Inherent safety advantage for collaborative robots
This performance profile makes BoidKit suitable for applications ranging from research platforms to consumer products and industrial systems.
Modularity & Design Freedom
BoidKit's components are designed for maximum configurability:
- Mix and match muscles of different sizes for specific applications
- Scale from single-joint prototypes to complex multi-DOF systems
- Easily create antagonistic pairs or parallel arrangements
- Integrate with existing systems through standard mechanical interfaces
Manufacturing Resilience
BoidKit has been engineered with domestic manufacturability in mind:
- Components use readily available materials
- Reduced dependence on specialized electromechanical components
- Many parts can be produced with additive manufacturing
- Supply chain diversification enhances resilience
Components of Innovation
Development Kits
Complete starter systems including prime mover, manifolds, HAMs, and control electronics. The ideal entry point to the BoidKit ecosystem.
View & Pre-Order Kits
Hydraulic Artificial Muscles
Our innovative actuators that convert hydraulic pressure into linear motion with exceptional force-to-weight ratio.
View & Pre-Order HAMs
Valve Manifolds
Compact, multi-channel control units that precisely direct hydraulic flow to multiple muscles simultaneously.
View & Pre-Order Manifolds
Prime Movers
Efficient, centralized hydraulic power sources that drive the entire BoidKit system.
View & Pre-Order Prime Movers
Control Electronics
Intelligent interfaces that translate motion commands into precise valve control signals.
View & Pre-Order Controllers
Accessories & Integration
Fittings, tubing, mounting hardware, and other components for complete system integration.
View & Pre-Order AccessoriesFeatured BoidKit Pre-Order Options
Genesis Development Kit
Our complete starting point—a fully integrated 8-DOF actuation system ready for immediate exploration and development.
Explorer Kit
A compact 4-DOF kit ideal for initial exploration, education, and smaller prototypes. Perfect for beginners and academic settings.
Pre-Order Information
Shipping Timeline
BoidKit components are currently in the final stages of development and optimization. We anticipate beginning shipments of pre-orders in Q1 2025, with specific estimated delivery dates provided at checkout for each product.
Development kits will ship first, followed by individual components. You will receive regular updates on production progress for your specific pre-order.
Reservation Process
Pre-orders require a 25% deposit, with the remaining balance due prior to shipping. Your deposit secures your place in the production queue and directly supports the final manufacturing preparations.
All pre-orders are subject to our Pre-Order Terms, which includes our cancellation and refund policies.
Research & Educational Discount Program
We offer special pricing for accredited research institutions and educational organizations. Please contact us with details of your institution and intended use case to discuss available options.
Begin Your Journey with BoidKit
Whether you're a researcher exploring novel actuation, an educator seeking affordable platforms for teaching, or an innovator building the next generation of robots, BoidKit provides the foundation you need.