Skip to main content

3.6 FAQ and Downloads

Download links, package contents, and answers to common questions about Kikobot C1 software (kikobot-backend, Kikobot Studio, and ESP32 firmware).

1. Download package (official)​

All files below are hosted under https://www.kikobot.com/downloads/. Update links on the website when you publish a new version.

1.1 Required — PC software​

PackageFile nameDownloadSHA-256
ROS backendkikobot-backend_1.0.0_amd64.debDownload .deb(publish checksum on release)
Control UIkikobot-studio_1.0.0_amd64.AppImageDownload AppImage(publish checksum on release)

Prerequisite (not in package): ROS 2 Humble on Ubuntu 22.04.

1.2 Required — C1 controller firmware (ESP32)​

PackageFile nameDownloadNotes
Serial firmware (recommended)c1_serial_firmware_1.0.0.zipDownload ZIPFlash with Arduino IDE; matches C1_FIRMWARE_TYPE=python
micro-ROS firmware (optional)c1_microros_firmware_1.0.0.zipDownload ZIPUse with C1_FIRMWARE_TYPE=microros

1.3 Documentation & examples (included in .deb)​

These are installed automatically with kikobot-backend; no separate download required on the robot PC:

DocumentInstalled path
WebSocket API (PDF)/opt/kikobot/share/doc/WEBSOCKET_INTEGRATION_GUIDE.pdf
WebSocket API (Markdown)/opt/kikobot/share/doc/WEBSOCKET_INTEGRATION_GUIDE.md
Quick install text/opt/kikobot/CLIENT_INSTALL.txt
Python WebSocket example/opt/kikobot/share/examples/kikobot_ws_client_example.py

See also: [Installation and Integration](/docs/Kikobot C1/3.4 Installation and Integration), [Software, API and ROS](/docs/Kikobot C1/3.5 Software API and ROS).

1.4 Optional​

ItemDownloadPurpose
libfuse2Via sudo apt install libfuse2Run AppImage on Ubuntu 22.04
ros-humble-web-video-serverVia aptC1 camera preview on port 8081

2. What is in each download?​

kikobot-backend_1.0.0_amd64.deb​

  • Prebuilt ROS 2 workspace under /opt/kikobot/ros
  • kikobot-backend, kikobot-verify-backend, kikobot-install-backend
  • C1 firmware bridge: /opt/kikobot/share/c1/kikobot_c1_firmware_bridge.py
  • C2 firmware (same package): /opt/kikobot/share/c2/…
  • systemd unit: kikobot-backend@c1 / @c2
  • WebSocket bridge on port 8080

kikobot-studio_1.0.0_amd64.AppImage​

  • Kikobot Studio UI (Tauri)
  • Can auto-start backend; robot model C1 or C2 selected in UI
  • Does not replace ESP32 flashing — MCU firmware is separate

c1_serial_firmware_1.0.0.zip​

  • Arduino sketch c1_serial_firmware.ino
  • USB serial at 1 000 000 baud
  • Pair with default backend firmware type python

3. Quick install recap​

# 1. ROS 2 Humble (once)
sudo apt install -y ros-humble-desktop libfuse2

# 2. Backend
sudo dpkg -i kikobot-backend_1.0.0_amd64.deb
kikobot-verify-backend

# 3. Studio (optional)
chmod +x kikobot-studio_1.0.0_amd64.AppImage
./kikobot-studio_1.0.0_amd64.AppImage

# 4. Run C1
kikobot-backend c1

Full steps: [Installation and Integration](/docs/Kikobot C1/3.4 Installation and Integration).

4. Frequently asked questions​

General​

Q: Do C1 and C2 use different PC installers?
A: No. The same .deb and AppImage support both. Start with kikobot-backend c1 or select C1 in Studio.

Q: Which Ubuntu version is supported?
A: Ubuntu 22.04 with ROS 2 Humble. Other versions are not validated for the binary packages.

Q: Can I integrate without Kikobot Studio?
A: Yes. Install only kikobot-backend, run kikobot-backend c1, and connect your app to ws://<ip>:8080. See [Software, API and ROS](/docs/Kikobot C1/3.5 Software API and ROS).

Q: Is the WebSocket API authenticated?
A: No. Use a private LAN, VPN, or SSH tunnel. Do not expose port 8080 to the public internet.

Hardware & firmware​

Q: The arm does not move after installing the .deb.
A: Flash ESP32 firmware, connect USB, run start_firmware with the correct port (often /dev/ttyACM0), then try home or jog.

Q: Which USB device should I use?
A: ESP32 often appears as /dev/ttyACM0. Use ls /dev/serial/by-id/ or the Studio “Start Firmware” dialog.

Q: Python bridge vs micro-ROS?
A: Default Python serial bridge (c1_serial_firmware.ino) is recommended. micro-ROS is for advanced setups with c1_microros_firmware.ino and C1_FIRMWARE_TYPE=microros.

Q: What is the serial baud rate?
A: 1 000 000 for the recommended serial firmware and PC bridge.

Software & networking​

Q: What ports are used?
A: 8080 WebSocket; 8081 optional camera (KIKOBOT_C1_CAMERA=1).

Q: Can multiple apps connect at once?
A: Yes. Multiple WebSocket clients receive the same telemetry broadcasts.

Q: Studio says backend is running but I cannot connect.
A: Check firewall, correct IP, and ss -ltn | grep 8080. Read /tmp/kikobot_websocket.log.

Q: How do I upgrade?
A: sudo kikobot-install-backend /path/to/new_kikobot-backend_*.deb

Motion & safety​

Q: What are the C1 home joint angles?
A: [-89.95, -29.52, -88.14, -29.76, 89.95, 89.95] degrees.

Q: Motion planning reports joint limit errors.
A: Stay inside planner limits (J2 ±125°, etc.) and avoid exact boundary values.

Q: Is it safe to jog with Studio closed?
A: Any client on port 8080 can command motion. Restrict network access and use E-stop procedures for your site.

Logs & support​

Q: Where are log files?
A: /tmp/kikobot_c1_display.log, /tmp/kikobot_websocket.log, /tmp/kikobot_firmware.log

Q: What should I send support?
A: Package versions, Ubuntu/ROS versions, serial port used, relevant log excerpts, and steps to reproduce.

5. Version history​

VersionDateNotes
1.0.0(release date)Initial website package: shared backend + Studio; C1 ESP serial firmware
  • [Installation and Integration](/docs/Kikobot C1/3.4 Installation and Integration)
  • [Software, API and ROS](/docs/Kikobot C1/3.5 Software API and ROS)
  • Documentation home