A voice gives your character something to say. A little movement gives it another way to express itself.
In this tutorial, NightView takes AIPI Lite from a connected servo to a motion triggered by a spoken request. The sequence is built visually in Moto Studio—leaving more of your project time for the character, prop, or mechanism you want to create.
Tutorial by NightView · Watch on YouTube
Before you start
- An AIPI Lite connected to your XDC account, with firmware v1.2.5 or later.
- A compatible servo, suitable wiring, and an appropriate power arrangement.
- A browser open to XDC.
Moto Studio is available on the Free plan. Servos and custom motion hardware are separate from the AIPI Lite kit.
1. Connect one servo
Start with a single, unloaded servo. With power disconnected, follow the official Moto Studio wiring guide and check the servo's voltage requirements. AIPI Lite provides the control signal; your power arrangement must suit the hardware.
Use an appropriate external supply and a common ground for multiple servos. Do not power DC motors directly from AIPI Lite. The AIPI maker page links to the wiring reference.
2. Open Moto Studio
In XDC, go to Tool Workshop → Moto Studio. Select Connect Device and follow the connection prompts. Confirm your AIPI Lite is connected before testing motion.
3. Add your output
Create a new motion, then choose Add Output → Standard Servo for a standard position servo. Select the channel that matches your signal connection. Use that same channel in your servo blocks.
4. Build a simple movement
Drag an Action Group onto the canvas and give it a recognizable name, such as Motion1. Add an action step, then place a servo block inside it.
- PWM: the servo command value.
- Action duration: the time assigned to the movement.
- Delay: the pause in the sequence.
Add a second step to return the servo to its starting position. Begin with a small movement within your servo's rated range; the video's example values are not universal settings for every servo or mechanism.
5. Test, save, and deploy
Keep the mechanism clear and use Test Run to check the sequence. Adjust the movement and timing, then Save and choose Deploy to Device. Saving the project and deploying it are separate steps.
6. Give your character the cue
Open your agent's Character Description and add an instruction that connects a spoken request to the deployed action's exact name. For example:
When I ask you to run motion one, run the output motion named Motion1.
Save the character settings. With that character active on your AIPI Lite, press to talk and try the request. Check the physical movement—not just the spoken reply—to confirm it worked.
One movement. Your next idea.
A nod, a head turn, or an opening panel can be the starting point for a character of your own. Get one motion working, then build the body and story around it. AIPI brings the conversation tools; Moto Studio lets you shape the motion.
Official manual ↗ Open XDC and try Moto Studio → Explore AIPI maker projects →