Robotics Tutorial | How to Build Robotic Arm with DOBOT

If you are still figuring outhow to run a robotic arm, this detailed robotics tutorial is for you. We will further outline the critical points of installingDOBOTrobotic arms using theMG400 collaborative robot. We will also provide somehandy hints on how to build robotic arm.As installing robotic arms for various brands is almost the same, this guide will be a helpful hand not only for DOBOT users but for those interested in robotics.

The Association for Advancing Automationstates that in 2021, in comparison to 2020, there was anindustrial robotic boomin the U.S., ordering 29,000 robots. It is a 37% increase during the same period in 2020. Considering this data, there is an ongoing demand for robots globally. Thus, there is a need to learn how to install and build robots in the modern world.

Processof running DOBOT robotic arm MG400:

1. Keep in mind DOBOT Hardware

Those who start running a robotic arm have to know its basics. For example,MG400consists of four joints compared to theCR series collaborative robot, having six joints. Also, turning on an紧急按钮and plugging all the Internet connections are crucial actions to support DOBOT hardware.

However, we must not forget about thegeneral structure of the MG400robotic arm.

协作机器人系统包括th工作e robot body, robot control software, and robot operation software. DOBOT MG400 supports a direct connection with a computer, which is simple and easy to use. With theself-developed dynamic algorithm, one-handed teach-in and sensor-less collision detectionensure the safety of humans and machines working alongside. DOBOT MG400 has a repeated positioning accuracy of ± 0.05mm and a maximum load of 500g, combining the features of both industrial and collaborative robots.

2. Use DOBOT Studio software to code on MG400

DOBOT Studiois a multi-functional control software of DOBOT robotic arms, enabling them to control their various types, ranging from educational to industrial purpose of use, includingMG400,DOBOT米agician,DOBOT CR series, etc. The interface is easy to understand, helping users master the skills to build robotic arm.

It isfree software, providing two options for users:

• adoptingBlockly, or
• usingLUAprogramming language.

Blockly is the DOBOT’s integrated system of building coding blocks. It does not require any knowledge of coding.

The second option of applying the LUA programming language is for experienced programmers. It will require specific knowledge of LUA coding.

Another alternative if you want to use other programming languages such asPython, C, c++is that you can use your platform to program. There are vast options for programming creativity with DOBOT collaborative robots.

3. Connect robotic hardware to a laptop using Internet protocols

Internet protocols, such asTCP/IP, Modbus, and IO (input-output)aim to give a robotic arm a signal that it is ready to run.

There is also an encoder protocol that is not often used but still needs to know how to implement into a mechanical structure.

As the communication based onTCP/IPhas high reliability, strong practicability, and high performance aligned with low cost, many industrial automation projects have a vast demand for control robots that support TCP/IP protocol. The MG400 robot, designed based on TCP/IP protocol, provides rich interfaces for interaction with external devices.

Modbus protocolis a serial communication protocol. The robot system can communicate with external equipment by this protocol. Here, external equipment such as a PLC is set as the Modbus master, and the robot system is set as the slave.

I/O protocolstands for inputting internal data and output with the data transmitted to external sources. This data communication protocol aims to have this circle of sending and receiving data. At the same time, the I/O interface might contain additional resources, including registers, a voltage translator, and others.

Keeping in mind the key points of running theDOBOT米G400will assist you in saving time in the installation process.

The process of deploying MG400 provided above is your starting point for automation. However, you are not alone in this way. Our customer from the Netherlands,Robin Zonneveld, is showing in detail how to deploy MG400:

He also covers thepros and consof using the DOBOT robotic arm.

Although the process of running MG400 cobot is transparent, the DOBOT team highlights valuable tips to become an expert to build robotic arm and increase operational efficiency.

Handy hints for those who start their journey on building a robot:

1. Hardware installation hint

While running the MG400 robot, users should design the platform according to therobot’s workspaceand ensure that the robot moves without interference. When operating the robot, be sure to operate inside the workspace. It is critical to keep the platform level that is used to mount a robot.

2. Basic skills of LUA programming language

Without proper skills in the LUA programming language, it will not be easy to code using DOBOT MG400.

One of the tips we can provide is setting a Jump Movement function of a robotic arm. Using theLUAscript, the command is as follows:

local Option={SpeedL=50, AccL=20, Start=10, ZLimit=100, End=20}

Jump(P, Option)

The required parameter you need to deploy is P, indicating the target point, user-defined or obtained from the points list.

3. Strong knowledge of Internet protocols, including TCPIP, Modbus, and IO

It is better to avoid unnecessaryI/O interfaces. For instance, switching off debug output is one way to increase production run.

Bottom Line

How to build robotic arm to cover arich application setis a tricky question. It requires different skills and knowledge, while at the same time, users have to know an algorithm for installingDOBOT米G400.

That is why theDOBOTteam prepared for you a helpful guide to make it clear to our usershow to install DOBOT robotic armsusing MG400 collaborative robot.

Automate the future with DOBOT and deliver the industrial value today.

Check out five simple tips for automated palletizinghere.