Kepler Unveils Open-Source K2 Bumblebee at IROS 2025
The robotics world buzzed yesterday at the IROS 2025 conference in Hangzhou, China. Kepler Robotics unveiled their latest creation: the K2 "Bumblebee." This isn't just another robot. It's an open-source platform designed to spark a global developer ecosystem.
Kepler Robotics, a Hangzhou-based innovator, aims to make advanced robotics accessible. The K2 Bumblebee stands at 1.2 meters tall, weighs 25 kilograms, and packs a punch with its modular design. Developers can swap arms, sensors, and software like building blocks. It runs on ROS 2, the standard for robot operating systems, and supports AI models for tasks like navigation and manipulation.
What sets it apart? Openness. Kepler shares blueprints, code, and hardware specs freely. They want hobbyists, researchers, and startups to build on it. Imagine custom drones for delivery or home assistants that learn your habits. The company plans to release kits for under $5,000, lowering the barrier to entry.
This launch comes at a pivotal time. Humanoid robots like Tesla's Optimus grab headlines, but Kepler focuses on collaboration. By October 27, 2025, they announced partnerships with universities in Asia and Europe. Early demos showed the Bumblebee picking objects with 95% accuracy in cluttered spaces.
Kepler's CEO, Li Wei, said it best: "Robotics shouldn't be locked in labs. It belongs to everyone." If this takes off, we could see a explosion of custom bots by 2026. Watch this space—Bumblebee might just pollinate the future of robotics.