The OpenWBT project, created by GalaxyGeneralRobotics, lets one person control humanoid robots like the Unitree G1 and H1 using a virtual reality headset (Apple Vision Pro) and joysticks. Shared freely on GitHub, this project helps you guide robots to walk, squat, grab objects, and more, either in real life or in a computer simulation.

OpenWBT lets you control a robot’s movements with easy tools. Joysticks move the robot’s legs to walk or change its posture, while your hand movements in virtual reality control its arms. You can try it with real robots or in a virtual program, making it great for testing ideas. It’s free to use, shared openly, and builds on other public projects to help you control robots smoothly.

How It Works

What You Need

You’ll need joysticks and an Apple Vision Pro headset to use OpenWBT. The project’s guide lists the exact tools and explains how to set them up. You’ll also need to connect the robot to your Wi-Fi using its specific address (not a default like 192.168.123.2) and follow steps to install software.

Controlling the Robot

Here’s how to make the robot move:

1. Joysticks: Press one button to make the robot walk or turn, another to squat or stand, and a specific button to stop it safely.
2. Virtual Reality: Wear the Apple Vision Pro to see what the robot sees and move your hands to control its arms. Follow the setup guide carefully to ensure the images show up correctly.
3. Testing Safely: Practice in a computer simulation first. For real robots, use a test mode to try things safely and stay ready to stop the robot if something seems wrong.

Always keep a safe distance from the robot during your first try, as the project suggests, and be prepared to stop it if needed.

OpenWBT helps you control robots for tasks like walking or grabbing objects. It’s been tested on several Unitree G1 robots in different places and works reliably if you set it up carefully. The project has attracted interest, with over 600 stars on GitHub, and the team plans to support more robots in the future.

How to Start

1. Visit the GitHub page for the project and setup guides.
2. Check the guide for the tools you need and how to prepare them.
3. Follow the steps to start controlling the robot.
4. Contact the team if you run into problems.

OpenWBT is a great way for robotics enthusiasts to explore robot control with virtual reality, as long as you have the right tools and follow the setup instructions carefully.