Designed for presence.
Nova feels “alive” through posture, expressive movement, human-like timing, mental reasoning and fully capable long-term memory.
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Nova Desktop — Version 1
Servos + Strength: ST3215-HS servos — smooth movement, very strong, ~30kg lifting capacity.
Camera: RealSense D455 depth camera. Version 1 only tracks faces, so the D455 was overkill — but it looked cool and helped define the iconic look later used in Version 3.
Camera: RealSense D455 depth camera. Version 1 only tracks faces, so the D455 was overkill — but it looked cool and helped define the iconic look later used in Version 3.
AI Model: A simpler model — faster responses, but less depth and no session memory compared to Version 2.
Body design: Slimmer arms + torso built around the smaller form-factor servos — faster prints and quicker iteration.
That lesson carried forward into later designs.
Nova Desktop — Version 2
Servos: ST3020 servos for the arms, while keeping three ST3215-HS servos for neck pitch, neck yaw, and torso yaw.
Camera: VSPRO high-speed camera — up to 120fps recording. Smoother tracking, clearer recordings, and more realistic body language.
Camera: VSPRO high-speed camera — up to 120fps recording. Smoother tracking, clearer recordings, and more realistic body language.
AI Model: A more advanced model with built-in session memory — more engaging conversation, better recall, and less “repeat the same joke 100 times”.
Body design: Bulkier overall — driven by the larger servos and wider shoulders.
The shoulder width also lets the servo driver boards sit lower in the torso, making wiring far more accessible during the build phase.
Nova Desktop — Version 3
Servos: New ST3215-7.4v servos - used in the arms, torso and neck. Lower voltage, same resolution, reduced cost, while keeping the gentle, deliberate motion for "smooth as butter" expression.
Camera: Newline 4K webcam — 1080p @ 60fps with fast autofocus. Cleaner tracking and better audio.
Camera: Newline 4K webcam — 1080p @ 60fps with fast autofocus. Cleaner tracking and better audio.
AI Model: The latest stack — Deeper, with more grounded responses. V3 includes Long-term and short-term memory. 35+ more animations than previous iterations with a new gesture system whilst talking, for improved emursion.
Body design: Refined proportions and improved internal layout — easier assembly, cleaner cable routing, and much more compact. Nova Desktop 3 is the current pinacle of the Nova Desktop Series. Ready to build partner?