KINETIQBack to the build preview ↗Draft reference · October 2026
Project roadmap
Status, October 13, 2026: the design is complete in CAD and the printed fit test is done. Parts for the aluminum prototype are on order, and the prototype build is next. Everything published so far is a draft until that prototype has been built and load-tested.
Where things stand
| Stage | Status |
|---|---|
| CAD design: the bolted aluminum frame, the drivetrain, the level-wind, the exit, the rack mount and five builds | done |
| Printed fit test of the whole assembly | done |
| Prototype parts and metal stock | on order |
| Aluminum prototype build (main build: APS 8072S, 10S battery) | next |
| Load testing: static load in steps, then powered tests and thermal checks | after the build |
| Verified release: CAD, build files and software | after load testing |
| Metal kits made by Trent, the project's maker | after the verified release |
The verified release
Nothing is released before the design is proven on real hardware, so nobody builds from an untested revision. When the prototype passes its tests, one release will publish a matching set of:
- CAD: STEP models of every part and the assembly, DXF profiles of the plates, print files with the fit coupons, and editable CAD;
- build files: the confirmed parts list and hardware counts, the build instructions with photos and measured fit notes, and the wiring;
- software: the Raspberry Pi touchscreen app and its setup, the Teensy control firmware and its configuration, and the phone app (Bluetooth settings, workouts and history);
- a validation report: what was tested, how, and the results.
Each later release names one compatible set of CAD, parts list, wiring and software versions, and marks untested changes as untested.
After the release
- Metal kits: the laser-cut, tapped and countersunk 6061 plates, the machined bearing holders, corner brackets and mating plate, and the drum parts, made by Trent. Printed-part sets and complete machines may follow. Nothing is for sale before testing; the website has a kit waitlist.
- Contributions open with the verified release. Until then there is no tested design to contribute to. After it, useful contributions are build reports (revision, materials, settings, measurements and photos), CAD changes with what they affect, alternative batteries and motors with their test results, and documentation fixes.
Licenses
For the verified release:
- hardware (CAD, drawings, print files): CERN-OHL-S-2.0;
- documentation and images: CC BY-SA 4.0;
- software: GPL-3.0.
Anyone will be able to build the design, change it and share their changes under these licenses. The KINETIQ and Kinetiq Gym names and logo are not licensed: only the project's maker sells kits and machines under them. Supplier CAD and the ODrive firmware keep their own terms.
Supporting the project
Support is a voluntary contribution, not an order or a kit pre-sale. It goes into building, testing and improving the prototype (parts, aluminum stock and the revisions that come out of load testing) and into build support: clear instructions and videos, fit coupons and test jigs. The website's support section has the link once a donation provider is set up.
A draft reference: the prototype is being built and tested, and the CAD, build files and software are released after testing.
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