# Episode 134: Robotics as a hobby - Kevin McAleer

- Show: [Robot Talk](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk)
- Published: 2025-11-21
- Length: 37m
- Episode: 134
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2025-11-21-episode-134-robotics-as-a-hobby-kevin-mcaleer
- Listen: https://ukrobotics.libsyn.com/episode-134-robotics-as-a-hobby-kevin-mcaleer

## Summary

Kevin McAleer, founder of Kev's Robots, explains how he transitioned from a computer science background to building hobbyist robots using 3D printers, Arduino, and MicroPython. He details his educational projects, including the Smars robot, Haybot, and Bubo, which utilize components like Raspberry Pi Pico, ultrasonic sensors, and OpenCV for computer vision. McAleer discusses the accessibility of modern robotics tools, such as Tiny Tapeout for custom silicon and affordable sensors from suppliers like Waveshare, while highlighting the challenges of selling kits due to Brexit tariffs. He also reflects on the current state of humanoid robotics, noting the gap between pre-choreographed demonstrations and the complex reality of general-purpose manipulation and safety.

## Chapters

- [0:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2025-11-21-episode-134-robotics-as-a-hobby-kevin-mcaleer#t=7) Introduction: Robot Talk and Kevin McAleer
- [2:12](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2025-11-21-episode-134-robotics-as-a-hobby-kevin-mcaleer#t=132) Getting Started with 3D Printing and Arduino
- [4:46](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2025-11-21-episode-134-robotics-as-a-hobby-kevin-mcaleer#t=286) The Smars Robot and MicroPython Pivot
- [8:27](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2025-11-21-episode-134-robotics-as-a-hobby-kevin-mcaleer#t=507) Educational Robot Designs: Haybot and Burger Bot
- [11:12](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2025-11-21-episode-134-robotics-as-a-hobby-kevin-mcaleer#t=672) Inmoov, Computer Vision, and Bubo
- [15:48](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2025-11-21-episode-134-robotics-as-a-hobby-kevin-mcaleer#t=948) Sticking with Robotics and Multidisciplinary Learning
- [18:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2025-11-21-episode-134-robotics-as-a-hobby-kevin-mcaleer#t=1113) Community Engagement and Hardware Sponsorships
- [23:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2025-11-21-episode-134-robotics-as-a-hobby-kevin-mcaleer#t=1399) Humanoid Robotics and General Purpose Challenges
- [28:04](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2025-11-21-episode-134-robotics-as-a-hobby-kevin-mcaleer#t=1684) Sourcing Parts and Learning Resources

## Topics

- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [Sensors & measurement in products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sensors)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- Kev's Robots (company)
- Smars robot (product)
- Arduino (chip)
- MicroPython (other)
- Raspberry Pi Pico (chip)
- Inmoov (product)
- Bubo (product)
- OpenCV (tool)
- Waveshare (company)
- VM Robots (company)
- Tiny Tapeout (other)
- SparkFun (company)
- Adafruit (company)
- Digi-Key (company)
- HobbyKing (company)
- PCBWay (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Love Robots and Pantyhose Screens](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2010-09-08-love-robots-and-pantyhose-screens) (The Amp Hour)
- [Our first in-person show](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2017-04-10-our-first-in-person-show) (The Amp Hour)
- [Hacked E-Paper Price Tags, Raspberry Pi MCU Dev HAT, Arduino Robot Arm, and More!](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-electromaker-show/2023-01-18-hacked-e-paper-price-tags-raspberry-pi-mcu-dev-hat-arduino-robot-arm-and-more) (The Electromaker Show)
- [383: The Monkey's Not Gonna Work](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-08-05-383-the-monkeys-not-gonna-work) (Embedded.fm)
- [Robo Fry Guy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-10-10-robo-fry-guy) (The Amp Hour)

## Citing this page

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