DEVELOPERS
JavaScript, all the way down
Firmware and apps share one JavaScript runtime. You need no cross-compilation toolchain, and no embedded background.
Tech stack
Closer to front-end than you expect
The runtime follows the ECMA-419 standard and the UI uses a declarative component model — if you have written front-end code, you can start today.
JavaScriptTypeScriptECMA-419 runtimeDeclarative UIWebAssembly simulatorBLE provisioningSerial-bus servosModular firmware
Modular firmware
The firmware is split by responsibility: UI, input, light, camera, motion, audio, connectivity, conversation. Each part can be replaced or trimmed independently.
Declarative UI
Interfaces are described declaratively and share one rendering layer with expressions — swapping a face needs no renderer changes.
One codebase, two targets
Simulator and hardware run the same firmware. WebAssembly reproduces device behaviour in the browser, so you don't flash a board to develop.
Quick start
Three steps to light up a screen
From nothing to your first custom expression is usually under ten minutes.
Flash the firmware
Open the installer in Chrome or Edge, connect DeskBot over USB and click install. Nothing is installed on your computer.
Run the simulator
Open the simulator in your browser — it boots the robot from the same firmware compiled to WebAssembly. Get the behaviour right here first, then push to hardware.
Write a MOD
Create a directory, add a manifest and an entry script, and call the device capability APIs. It can be a new face, or full control of the servos.
// A minimal MOD: show a surprised face when picked up
import { Motion, Display, Face } from "aieer/device";
const surprised = Face.from({
eyes: [{ x: 6, y: 4, w: 4, h: 4 }, { x: 14, y: 4, w: 4, h: 4 }],
mouth: [{ x: 11, y: 12, w: 2, h: 2 }]
});
Motion.on("lifted", async () => {
await Display.show(surprised, { duration: 1200 });
await Motion.tilt(0);
});Capability APIs
Every device capability is one call away
This is an overview of the most-used interfaces; the reference shipped with the firmware is authoritative.
| Display.show(face, opts) | Switch expression, with duration and transition animation |
| Display.text(str, opts) | Overlay text or status on top of the expression layer |
| Motion.pan(deg) / Motion.tilt(deg) | Set pan and tilt angle with easing and rate limiting |
| Motion.on(event, cb) | Subscribe to motion events (lifted, placed, tilted, pushed) |
| Audio.listen(opts) | Start recording or hook up wake-word detection |
| Audio.speak(text, opts) | Streaming speech synthesis with interruption support |
| Vision.track(kind, cb) | Subscribe to face or hand tracking results |
| Light.set(rgb, opts) | Set indicator colour, brightness and breathing rhythm |
| Storage.get/set(key, val) | On-device persistence for settings and session preferences |
| Net.request(opts) | Make network requests to your own services |
Hardware & openness
Enclosure, drawings and contribution paths are public
We want you to be able to change the hardware as well as the software.
3D enclosure models
Enclosure models are published — modify, print, or use them to design accessories and stands.
Drawings & schematics
Structural assembly drawings and schematics are public, for repair, teardown and secondary development.
Contribution guide
Feature requests, bug reports and improvements are welcome; community MODs can also apply for a featured slot in the gallery.
Need an SDK or technical support?
Custom firmware, capability access and support can be arranged directly through our business channel.