KazNU Scientists Develop the Domestic Humanoid Robot Zhugirmek v1.0

Scientists from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University are developing a new domestic humanoid robot Zhugirmek v1.0 as part of efforts to advance modern robotics technologies. The project includes structural, kinematic and strength analysis of the robot, development of a motion-control system, an exoskeleton for remote operation, and expanded autonomous capabilities.

Humanoid robots are becoming one of the promising areas of modern robotics. Their human-like form allows them to operate more effectively in environments, use tools and interact with infrastructure originally designed for people. Such robots can be particularly useful in situations that are dangerous for humans or difficult to access, including emergency zones, chemical contamination sites, industrial accidents and other hazardous environments.

Within the project, the structural configuration of Zhugirmek v1.0 will be optimized, while its kinematic and strength parameters will be calculated. A three-dimensional model of the robot will be developed in SolidWorks, incorporating both mechanical and electronic components. The research will determine the robot’s motion parameters, working areas, actuator forces and torques, as well as stresses and deformations that may occur under different loads.

Zhugirmek v1.0 is designed with a mobile platform, a humanoid body, arms with six degrees of freedom and a human-like head. The robot will be controlled through an exoskeleton that reproduces the movements of the operator. Remote operation through radio communication and video transmission will also be developed, enabling the robot to operate in hazardous or inaccessible environments.

An important part of the research is improving human-robot interaction. The scientists plan to develop an exoskeleton-based control system that will enable accurate control of the robot regardless of the physical characteristics of the operator. Machine-learning techniques will be explored to calibrate the interaction between the human operator and the robot, allowing the system to be adapted to different users after a relatively short training period.

To expand the robot’s autonomous capabilities, cameras and multiple sensors will be installed. These systems will collect information about the robot’s spatial position, temperature, atmospheric pressure, lighting conditions and the presence of harmful substances in the air. The collected data will support environmental monitoring and enable the robot to make certain decisions autonomously.

The project’s hardware architecture will incorporate Jetson, Raspberry Pi and Arduino processors and microcontrollers. The Jetson computer will support motion-control and object-recognition systems. A PID controller will also be integrated to improve the stability and accuracy of the robotic system.

The scientific novelty of the project lies in combining exoskeleton-based remote control of a humanoid robot with machine-learning techniques. The use of multiple motors and gear mechanisms will enable the robot to reproduce human-like movements with a high degree of precision. The mobile platform provides maneuverability, while the development of remote, semi-autonomous and autonomous operating modes expands the robot’s functional capabilities.

In the future, Zhugirmek v1.0 could be applied in medicine to assist people with limited mobility, serve as a personal assistant for older adults, and perform routine or potentially hazardous tasks in industrial environments. The robot’s environmental sensors could also support applications in environmental monitoring and the supervision of hazardous working conditions.

The project is expected to result in an optimized three-dimensional model of the robot, an exoskeleton for remote control, autonomous-control algorithms based on sensor data, and a complete control system. A functional experimental prototype of the new domestic humanoid robot will also be produced. The scientific findings will be submitted for publication in international research journals and used in preparing a patent application.

The 36-month project will be implemented from 2025 to 2027. Its results are expected to contribute to the development of national expertise in robotics, mechatronics, artificial intelligence and engineering technologies, strengthening Kazakhstan’s scientific and technological capacity in the development of humanoid robots.