Robotis TurtleBot 4 — Specs & Review
Specifications
| Brand | Robotis |
|---|---|
| Model | TurtleBot 4 |
| Year | 2022 |
| Category | Educational |
| Autonomy | semi-autonomous |
| Environment | indoor |
| Price (USD) | $1299–$1799 |
| Weight | 3 kg |
| Dimensions | 19.2cm H |
| Connectivity | WiFi, Ethernet |
| Works with | Ubuntu, ROS2 |
| Rating | 4.7/5 (186 reviews) |
| Country of origin | KR |
Key features
- Official ROS2 reference platform — world's most used educational robot
- Intel RealSense D435 3D depth camera
- 2D LiDAR — full SLAM and navigation stack
- Roomba Create 3 autonomous mobile base
- Raspberry Pi 4 onboard compute
- ROS2 Humble support out of the box
- Standard in hundreds of global universities
What is it?
TurtleBot 4 is the official ROS2 reference robot — the standard hardware platform for university robotics education worldwide, built on a Roomba Create 3 base with full depth sensing and LiDAR.
Who is it for?
- University undergraduate and graduate robotics engineering programs
- Research labs prototyping ROS2 navigation, SLAM, and perception algorithms
- Advanced STEM programs and robotics clubs with Linux/ROS experience
Key specs
- Base: iRobot Create 3 (Roomba) autonomous mobile platform
- Compute: Raspberry Pi 4 (4GB)
- Depth camera: Intel RealSense D435 (Standard); OAK-D Pro (Lite)
- LiDAR: RPLIDAR A1 2D LiDAR
- OS: Ubuntu 22.04 + ROS2 Humble
- Connectivity: WiFi + Ethernet
- Price: ~$1,299 (Lite) – $1,799 (Standard)
- Purchase: Direct from robotis.us or authorized distributors
Limitations
- Not beginner-friendly — requires Linux and ROS2 knowledge
- High cost vs. simpler educational robots
- No Amazon listing — direct purchase only
FAQ
How much does the Robotis TurtleBot 4 cost?
The Robotis TurtleBot 4 is priced between $1,299 for the Lite version and $1,799 for the Standard version, making it a high-end option in the open-source educational robot market.
What is the Robotis TurtleBot 4 used for?
The Robotis TurtleBot 4 is primarily used in university undergraduate and graduate robotics engineering programs, as well as research labs for developing and prototyping ROS2 navigation, SLAM, and perception algorithms.
What are the key specifications of the Robotis TurtleBot 4?
Key specifications of the TurtleBot 4 include a Roomba Create 3 mobile base, an onboard Raspberry Pi 4 (4GB), an Intel RealSense D435 3D depth camera, and a 2D RPLIDAR A1 LiDAR, all running on Ubuntu 22.04 with ROS2 Humble support.
Who is the ideal user for the Robotis TurtleBot 4?
The ideal users for the TurtleBot 4 include university robotics programs and advanced STEM clubs, particularly those with existing knowledge of Linux and ROS, as it requires a familiarity with these systems.
How does the Robotis TurtleBot 4 compare to simpler educational robots?
Compared to simpler educational robots, the TurtleBot 4 offers more advanced features like full SLAM and navigation stacks, making it ideal for serious research and education; however, it also comes at a higher price point, starting at $1,299.
Is the Robotis TurtleBot 4 worth buying?
The Robotis TurtleBot 4 is worth buying for educational institutions and researchers needing a robust platform for ROS2 learning and development, given its use in hundreds of universities globally and its comprehensive sensor suite.