Can an affordable AI-powered humanoid robot be developed with an approximate budget of ₹10,000?

Niladri Banerjee, a Kolkata Electronics and Communication Engineer, AI Engineer, Software Developer and robotics enthusiast, is exploring that possibility through a personal humanoid robotics MVP (Minimum Viable Product).

The project brings together electronics, artificial intelligence, embedded systems, software development, motor control, sensors, mobile technology and humanoid robotics. Instead of attempting to compete with expensive commercial humanoid robots, the project focuses on affordable experimentation, customization and practical learning.

Niladri Banerjee and AI Humanoid Robotics

Based in Kolkata, West Bengal, Niladri Banerjee is an Electronics and Communication Engineering student and technology professional with interests in AI, machine learning, robotics, embedded systems and software development.

The AI humanoid robot is designed as an experimental platform combining physical movement with AI-powered interaction. Its broader objective is to explore how accessible electronics and modern AI services can be integrated into a customizable personal robot.

The project combines:

- Artificial intelligence and AI interaction

- Humanoid robotics and motor control

- Electronics and embedded systems

- Sensors and programmed robotic actions

- Software development

- Mobile application control

- Human-robot interaction

Approximately ₹10,000 AI Humanoid Robot

A major aspect of Niladri Banerjee's project is its approximate ₹10,000 budget. This cost-conscious approach makes the project an experiment in affordable AI robotics rather than a production-grade commercial humanoid robot.

The limited budget requires careful consideration of components, motors, electronics, communication, software and system architecture. It also demonstrates how students and young engineers can experiment with robotics without requiring a commercial robotics laboratory.

AI Integration and Robotic Interaction

The robot is intended to support AI-based interaction, allowing users to ask questions and receive responses through an AI-enabled system. During development, Banerjee experimented with AI models and model-serving infrastructure hosted on servers based in China.

A simplified architecture is:

User → Robot → AI Model Server → Response → Robot

Remote AI infrastructure can provide advanced AI capabilities while reducing onboard computing requirements.

Beyond AI conversation, the configured prototype is intended to support movement, programmed actions, music playback, interaction with people and mobile-app-based control. In controlled demonstrations, the robot can also be configured for practical tasks such as following its creator or bringing tea from the kitchen.

Humanoid Robot as a Robotic Buddy

One concept behind the project is a humanoid robot that feels more interactive than a conventional hobby robot. The system can be configured to follow Niladri Banerjee as a robotic “buddy”, connecting autonomous movement with human-robot interaction.

A humanoid platform also creates engineering challenges involving motor coordination, balance, weight distribution, power consumption, sensors, mechanical alignment and movement accuracy.

Software and Mobile Application

Software development is an important part of the project. A mobile application can provide a convenient interface for robot control, configuration and interaction settings, reducing the need to modify the underlying hardware or code for every change.

This combination reflects Banerjee's interest in practical hardware-software integration.

Future Development

The current system is an experimental MVP, and future versions can focus on improved mechanical construction, stability, sensors, computer vision, voice interaction, object recognition, autonomous navigation, following capabilities, mobile controls and power management.

The long-term objective is to continue exploring affordable AI-assisted robotics.

About Niladri Banerjee

Niladri Banerjee is a Kolkata Electronics and Communication Engineer, AI Engineer, Software Developer and robotics enthusiast. His interests include artificial intelligence, machine learning, humanoid robotics, embedded systems, software development and emerging technologies.

Through practical projects, he explores how electronics, AI and software can work together to create real-world technology.

You can learn more about Niladri Banerjee through his biography page and official website, niladribanerjee.in.

Project Disclaimer

This is an independently developed experimental robotics MVP for learning, research, demonstration and experimentation. The approximately ₹10,000 cost is an estimate and may vary with component prices, existing equipment, software services and future hardware revisions. Capabilities depend on the configured hardware, software, AI services, connectivity and environment. Demonstrations involving movement or carrying objects should be performed in a controlled environment with appropriate supervision and safety precautions.

Conclusion

Niladri Banerjee's AI humanoid robot project demonstrates an affordable approach to combining electronics engineering, artificial intelligence, software development and humanoid robotics. For a Kolkata Electronics and Communication Engineer, the project represents practical experimentation with intelligent machines and the possibilities of low-cost AI-powered robotics.

The approximately ₹10,000 humanoid robot is not intended to compete with advanced commercial platforms. Instead, it represents an ongoing engineering journey focused on learning, building, testing and improving intelligent robotic systems.

Ajay Raj