Mini Pupper

Overview

The MangDang Mini Pupper is an open-source educational quadruped robot at $649, compatible with ROS2 and Ubuntu, standing 165 mm tall. It is designed to make quadruped robotics accessible at a price point far below professional platforms like Boston Dynamics Spot, while providing genuine ROS2 and computer vision capabilities for educational use. The open-source design means students can modify both hardware and software, fostering deep engagement with the underlying robotics systems.

Mini Pupper is inspired by Stanford Pupper, a successful open-source quadruped project, and MangDang has iterated on the design to improve manufacturability and educational value. It is used in UK university robotics clubs and individual hobbyist projects.

Key Specifications

• Height: 165 mm
• Price: $649
• Software: ROS2, Ubuntu compatible
• Design: Open-source hardware and software
• Age range: University students and advanced hobbyists

Use Cases

Mini Pupper is well suited to university robotics societies and individual students wanting hands-on experience with legged robot locomotion outside of formal coursework. It supports gait research, computer vision integration, and teleoperation projects at a cost accessible to individuals rather than just institutions.

In the UK, university robotics clubs at Imperial, Edinburgh, and Bristol have used Mini Pupper for society-led projects, and it appears regularly in UK robotics and maker events.

Buying Used

A secondary market exists through online platforms and the MangDang community forum. The servo motors used in the legs are the primary wear item; buyers should check for smooth movement across all twelve joints (three per leg) and verify that the ROS2 software stack is complete and functional.

Alternatives to Consider

Mini Pupper 2 is the updated version with a lighter frame and improved runtime. Petoi Bittle is a lower-cost quadruped option focused on Arduino-based programming rather than ROS. Boston Dynamics Spot is the professional quadruped option at a dramatically higher price.