First startup instructions

First startup instructions#

This page provides a concise, safe checklist to power on, connect, and stand a new Honey Badger 5.0.

Target audience: operators who need a short, reliable checklist to bring the robot to an operational standing state.

Quick checklist (read before starting)#

  • Read the Safety section in the main manual.

  • Place robot on flat, stable ground with at least 1 m clearance around legs.

  • Use two people to lift or position the robot if needed.

  • Have the control console (Steam Deck) or laptop ready.

1 — Power on (approximately 90 seconds)#

  1. Place the robot on level ground and make sure nothing blocks leg motion.

  2. Press and hold the robot power button for 2 seconds, or until LEDs start blinking purple. The purple blink lasts about 3 seconds and indicates the startup sequence has begun.

  3. Wait for the power-up sequence to complete (approximately 90 seconds). Watch status LEDs.

2 — Connect control console and network#

  • On the Steam Deck (or laptop): connect to the robot’s AP and open the control GUI.

  • Confirm the control console shows the robot as connected.

  • For the AP name, password, and wired connection options, see Setup.

3 — Verify system status (basic checks)#

  • Check battery level is sufficient (> 30% recommended for initial testing).

  • Confirm ROS 2 / bridge status if shown in the GUI (nodes should be OK).

  • Look for any error or warning messages in the console/log window.

4 — Energize actuators (enable)#

  1. Ensure area is clear and everyone stands back.

  2. From the control console select the ENERGIZE (enable) command.

  3. If a hardware E-stop is present and active, reset it only when it is safe to do so.

For full safety guidance, see Safety.

5 — Stand up sequence#

  1. With actuators energized, use the STAND UP command in the GUI.

  2. Wait until the robot reaches a stable standing posture.

  3. Switch to STAND or a walking mode as required by your workflow.

  4. If the robot does not stand or joints twitch, immediately command IDLE and disable actuators.

6 — Basic drive test (low risk)#

  • Select a slow gait (e.g., STABLE WALK) and command a small forward step.

  • Observe leg motion and listen for abnormal noises.

  • If behavior is abnormal: immediately stop, select IDLE, and disable actuators.

7 — Shutdown#

  1. Stop all motion and select IDLE in the GUI.

  2. Wait until the robot is stable and logs show no active motion.

  3. Press and hold the power button for 2 seconds to power off, or use the POWER COMMANDS menu and select SHUTDOWN.

Troubleshooting (quick)#

  • No Wi‑Fi: check that AP SSID is broadcasting.

  • Control console says disconnected: reboot the console app and re-check Wi‑Fi.

  • Robot fails to energize: check battery voltage and error logs in the console.

  • Overheating: disable actuators and inspect hardware.

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