About
The story behind ScayTux.
What is Tux Droid?
The Tux Droid is a Linux mascot robot originally created by Kysoh in 2006. It's a USB-connected penguin robot that can move its eyes, beak, wings, and body. It was originally designed as an email notifier and desktop companion for Linux users, but the company shut down and the original software became abandoned and incompatible with modern systems.
The robot communicates through a wireless USB “Fishtank” dongle using the HID protocol, making it possible to send commands directly over USB without any special drivers.
What is ScayTux?
ScayTux is a modern, from-scratch rewrite that brings the Tux Droid back to life on modern Windows 10/11 and Linux systems. No more outdated Python scripts, broken dependencies, or abandoned 32-bit libraries.
Built with Java for true cross-platform support, ScayTux uses the hid4java library for direct USB HID communication, providing reliable and fast control of the robot.
Version 3.0 includes 100 pre-programmed cinematic animation combos, Telegram remote control, text-to-speech with lip sync, MP3 playback with dancing, and a beautiful interactive CLI.
Hardware Specifications
| Connection | USB HID via Fishtank dongle |
| Vendor ID | 0x03eb (Atmel) |
| Product ID | 0xFF07 |
| Packet Size | 64 bytes |
| Motors | Eyes, Mouth, Wings (Flippers), Body Spin |
| LEDs | RGB LED in nose (color + intensity control) |
| Audio | Built-in speaker via USB audio device (TuxDroid-Audio) |
| Buttons | Head button, Left wing, Right wing |
| Communication | Wireless RF between dongle and robot |
Author
Scayar
Creator of ScayTux
License
ScayTux is licensed under the GNU Lesser General Public License v3.0 (LGPL-3.0) for personal and educational use.
Personal use is free. Companies, stores, and businesses that want to use, promote, or bundle ScayTux on their websites or products must obtain a Commercial License. Contact for pricing.
See the full Commercial License page for details.