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Otto is a modular, fully programmable, and 3D-printable robotics kit designed to make learning modern technology fun and accessible. As you build and code Otto, you’ll explore the fundamentals of computer science in an engaging, hands-on way. Its open design means you’re not limited by a fixed shape—you can redesign, recolor, and even add new functionalities to make Otto truly your own.

A Trusted Collaboration In 2022, Otto DIY joined forces with Moravia and entered an official partnership with HP Inc. Backed by a long-standing relationship dating back to 1993 in the calculators business, we now have a licensing agreement with HP. Their input on technology, quality assurance, and brand standards helped shape this new generation of Otto into a certified, high-quality product.

Redesigned from the Ground Up This new Otto is more than a robot—it’s a complete coding ecosystem:

• Python-based programming, compatible with all major operating systems

• Plug-and-play experience with no setup hassles

• Powerful rechargeable battery and high-quality components

• Custom electronics for enhanced performance

• A growing library of lessons and learning materials

• A vibrant support forum and community

Ready for the Classroom Otto is a frictionless, classroom-ready educational tool for teaching STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math + Arts). No prior experience required—just open the box and start learning.

The Builder Kit This kit includes everything you need to get started—no 3D printer required. It comes with pre-made plastic shell parts, electronics, cables, tools, battery, and all components. Just open the box, build your robot, and start programming right away. It’s especially popular with schools and educators who want a ready-to-use solution.

The Creator Kit Previously known as the “Maker Kit,” this version is for those who have access to a 3D printer. You’ll download the printable files from the Create page, slice them, and fabricate the parts in any color or material you like (PLA, PETG, PET, ASA, ABS, etc.). All the necessary electronics and mechanical components are included—just print and assemble.

Good to know: No extra tools or soldering are required in either kit. Everything is designed to be plug-and-play.

Of course, it is! Otto is designed to be beginner-friendly and fun. The Starter Kit is ideal for ages 8 and up. Building the robot is simple—you only need the included screwdriver, and there’s no soldering or extra tools required.

Programming is just as easy. You’ll start with graphical block-based coding, which is intuitive and perfect for first-time users. Follow our step-by-step guides in the manuals, video tutorials, and lessons—everything is laid out clearly so you can build and code with confidence.

For the best experience with Otto’s web-based coding tools, we recommend using:

• Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge – These fully support WebUSB and Bluetooth connections.

• Opera – Works for USB connections only; Bluetooth is not supported.

Other browsers may have limited or no support for the hardware communication features required to connect with Otto.

Otto’s coding tools are designed to work primarily online. This ensures you always have access to the latest features, updates, and a smooth experience directly in your browser.

However, we understand that some schools may not have reliable internet access. If you need an offline version, just reach out to us—we’ll be happy to provide it for use in your classroom.

• To use HP Robots | Web Code Blocks, first connect your Otto using the USB cable provided. Once successfully paired, you can begin dragging blocks to run basic functions or demo examples.

  Here are a few tips if your robot isn’t responding:

  • Use the Play button for quick live coding. This sends commands directly to the robot.

  • If there’s no reaction, go to Settings → Update Libraries. This will upload the necessary source code to your robot, enabling full compatibility with block coding and Otto Web Control.

  • You can also update your robot’s firmware using the Web Updater, though this is optional if your robot is already functioning properly.

  For more troubleshooting tips, check out our Coding Guide.

We recommend using Makers Empire—it’s simple, intuitive, and perfect for beginners and educators. You can design your own parts and print directly from the platform, making it a great tool for customizing your Otto robot.

If you’re more experienced, you can also use other 3D modeling software like FreeCAD,  or Blender, depending on your needs and skill level.

There’s no such thing as a perfectly straight movement in small robots—but we can get very close!

Slight differences in motor performance or surface friction can cause drift. To improve straight-line movement, we recommend calibrating the motors electronically using code. This helps balance the speed and response of each motor for more accurate motion.

Absolutely not. Otto DIY continues as a fully open-source project at ottodiy.com, with the same mission and community spirit. This new HP Otto is not a replacement—it’s a fresh take on robot design and user experience, tailored for a different audience: educators and classrooms. Otto DIY remains alive and well, now more in the hands of the maker and DIY community to keep evolving in parallel.

All existing resources—3D files on platforms like Printables.com, Arduino code on GitHub, Otto Blockly software, and the mobile app—will remain open and free to use. The community can continue sharing remixes, mods, and ideas through the official Facebook group, Discord, and other channels.

We’re focusing on providing what teachers need most:

• Clean, ready-to-use STL files for 3D printing

• Open-source code

• Structured lessons (a new addition!)

• Free online programming tools

• Downloadable accessories

This way, we avoid overwhelming users with unnecessary complexity and keep the experience smooth and accessible.

As for the new electronics, we’ve redesigned everything from scratch using high-quality, custom-made components. The new PCBs meet strict QA standards and are built for intuitive, hassle-free connections. These aren’t easily replicable without significant investment—and they carry the HP brand, which means they must meet a higher bar for reliability and user experience.

For more details, check out this article.

Otto uses the ESP32 microcontroller, which supports a wide range of programming languages and environments. You can program it using:

• C/C++ (via Arduino IDE or PlatformIO in VSCode)

• MicroPython (with Thonny IDE or similar)

• Lua, Scratch, and other block-based or scripting languages

There are Python and Arduino libraries available, so you can easily reuse code from online communities and dive into more advanced projects when you’re ready.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced developer, Otto offers the flexibility to grow with your skills.

Yes, absolutely! The new Otto is fully compatible with the Arduino IDE, allowing you to explore a wide range of community projects, libraries, and tutorials. You can use it directly for endless applications and experiments.

In addition to Arduino, you can also use third-party software like Thonny IDE or Arduino MicroPython to program Otto in MicroPython. These tools offer flexibility for more advanced users who want to go beyond our core learning platform.

While our new HP Otto ecosystem focuses primarily on Python for its educational content and web apps, Otto’s hardware supports multiple languages—so you’re free to explore and expand as you grow.