This video provides a critical review of the newly launched SO101 robot, the successor to the popular, low-cost SO100 used for AI-driven robotics. The presenter, a seasoned user and reseller of the SO100, dissects the three advertised improvements: a redesigned structure, enhanced leader arm motors, and an "AI takeover" feature. While the design changes are dismissed as largely superficial and tailored to specific assembly needs, the new leader arm motors introduce a massive price increase, escalating the cost of a single robot arm from an expected $100 to an estimated €750. The most significant criticism is directed at the "AI takeover" feature, a core selling point, for which the necessary software code is absent from the official launch documentation. The presenter concludes with strong disappointment, advising against the upgrade due to the disproportionate cost increase for minimal benefits and a non-functional flagship feature, raising concerns about the future accessibility of the robotics ecosystem.
Summarizing the SO101 Robot Review:
0:00 Introduction to SO100 and SO101: Nikico from FOSF, a long-time user of the affordable and versatile SO100 robot for AI control, introduces the new SO101 robot, announced by Remy Kaden from Hugging Face, expressing curiosity about its improvements.
0:47 SO101 Demo and Advertised Features: The presenter highlights the SO101 demo, showcasing an AI-controlled robot struggling before a human takes over the "leader arm" to guide the "follower arm" to complete the task. The three key advertised improvements are:
Design: Easier and quicker assembly.
Motors: New motors in the leader arm allowing for imitation movements (no need to remove gears).
AI Takeover: The ability for a human to control the leader arm to guide the AI follower arm.
1:37 Design Analysis - Minor Improvements: The presenter, having assembled dozens of SO100s, finds the design changes (e.g., small external knobs) minimal and primarily beneficial for specific assemblers (like Wrobo) rather than addressing fundamental community-wide assembly challenges (e.g., difficult-to-fit 3D printed parts or sleeves requiring tools like a hammer).
3:45 Cost Shock - Expensive New Motors: The SO100 was named for its $100 per arm cost. However, the new leader arm motors, sourced from Alibaba, cost $40 each, and an arm requires six of them, totaling $240. With shipping, import charges, and sales tax, the estimated final price for one SO101 arm is a shocking €750, a significant increase that jeopardizes the robot's original low-cost appeal.
6:18 Missing AI Takeover Software: Despite being prominently featured, the critical "AI takeover" code is not included in the official SO101 guide at launch. This means the flagship feature advertised is currently non-functional for users.
6:59 Conclusion: Don't Upgrade (Disappointment with SO101): The presenter strongly advises against upgrading to the SO101, citing the exorbitant cost for minimal design benefits and a primary advertised feature that is currently unavailable due to missing software. He expresses deep disappointment with the launch, calling it a step backward for the robotics ecosystem.
7:58 Call to Action and Future Outlook: The presenter, while disappointed, remains committed to robotics. He notes that the "AI takeover" feature could be implemented with existing servo motor datasheets and suggests he might develop it for his own middleware (Robots.ai) if Hugging Face doesn't. He invites viewers to comment on what they would want in a "true" new version of the SO100.