Hiwonder LeArm 6-DOF Programmable Robotic Arm Kit - 51 MCU, Serial Bus Servos (Unassembled)

Specifications

• Degrees of Freedom (DOF): 6-Axis

• Main Controller: 51 MCU Open-Source Servo Controller

• Servo Types: LX-225, HTS-16L, HTS-25L Intelligent Serial Bus Servos

• Chassis Material: Aluminum Alloy Base and Metal Brackets

• Maximum Vertical Reach: 461mm

• Base Dimensions: 283mm (L) x 160mm (W)

• Gripper Actuation Range: 55mm (closed) to 96mm (open max)

• Control Methods: PC Software, PS2 Wireless Gamepad (Included)

• Power Supply: External DC Power Adapter (Included)

• Assembly Status: Unassembled DIY Kit

Downloads:

• 6 DOF Robotic Arm_Assembly
• 6 DOF Robotic Arm _User manual
• 6 DOF Robotic Arm_  Servo Controller Communication Protocol V1.2
• 6 DOF Robotic Arm PS2 handle Controller_ Wireless Handle Introduction
• 6 DOF Robotic Arm -Video Tutorials

Key Applications and Projects

• Kinematics Education: Utilizing the physical arm to visually demonstrate complex high-school and university-level math, including inverse kinematics matrices.

• Automated Repetitive Tasks: Programming the arm to automatically sort, stack, or move small parts across a desktop workshop workspace.

• Remote Hazardous Handling: Using the PS2 controller to manually operate the arm from a distance to manipulate objects behind a protective plexiglass shield.

Unlock New Capabilities (Project Evolution) The AI Color-Sorting Assembly Line: Don't just make the arm move blindly; give it eyes! Evolve your robotic setup. Mount an open-source AI vision camera (like a HuskyLens or Pixy2) above the LeArm's workspace. Program your main controller to receive I2C data from the camera. You can now scatter colored blocks across the desk, and the LeArm will autonomously identify them, calculate their exact coordinates, swoop down to pick them up, and sort them into designated bins without any human intervention!

PACKAGE INCLUDED

• 1 x Aluminium Alloy Base and Metal Bracket Kit (Unassembled)

• 1 x Mechanical Gripper Assembly

• 1 x 51 MCU Open-Source Servo Controller Board

• Assorted Serial Bus Servos (HTS-25L, HTS-16L, LX-225)

• 1 x PS2 Wireless Gamepad with USB Receiver

• 1 x DC Power Supply Adapter

• 1 x USB Data Cable

• 1 x Phillips Screwdriver

• 1 x Comprehensive Hardware and Screw Pack

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

1. Does this kit come pre-assembled? No. This is the "Unassembled DIY Kit" version. It requires you to follow the instructions to physically bolt the metal brackets together and mount the servos, providing a fantastic mechanical learning experience.

2. What does "6-DOF" mean? DOF stands for Degrees of Freedom. It means the robotic arm has 6 independent joints (or axes) that can move, mimicking the complex articulation of a human shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand.

3. What is a Serial Bus Servo? Unlike standard 3-wire PWM servos, serial bus servos contain their own microprocessors. They are wired in a daisy-chain (plugged into each other) and communicate via a digital serial protocol, allowing for precise control and two-way data feedback.

4. Why are bus servos better than standard servos? Bus servos allow you to read the exact angle of the motor at any time. This allows for "Read-Back" programming: you physically pose the arm with your hands, click "Read," and the software saves that exact posture.

5. Do I need to solder anything to build this? No. The kit is entirely plug-and-play and bolt-together. The servo wires plug directly into the controller board using pre-crimped connectors.

6. What is the maximum height the arm can reach? When pointing straight up, from the bottom of the base to the top of the mechanical gripper, the arm measures exactly 461mm.

7. How wide does the mechanical gripper open? The mechanical gripper has an opening range from 55mm (fully closed) up to 96mm (fully open), allowing it to grasp objects like small boxes, ping pong balls, or soda cans.

8. What materials are used for the frame? The structural brackets and the large 283mm x 160mm base are stamped and anodized aluminum alloy, ensuring high rigidity and preventing the arm from sagging under its own weight.

9. Can I control it without a computer? Yes! The kit includes a PS2 Wireless Gamepad. Once the controller is powered on, you can use the joysticks and buttons to manually drive every joint of the robot arm instantly.

10. What software is used to program it? Hiwonder provides proprietary PC software that features a graphical interface. It allows you to move sliders to adjust joint angles, save waypoints, and string those waypoints together into smooth action groups.

11. Is the controller compatible with Arduino? The included controller is a 51 MCU (8051-based microcomputer). While it uses its own architecture, the communication protocols are open-source. Advanced users can bypass the main controller and drive the serial bus servos directly using an Arduino and a serial expansion board.

12. How is the robotic arm powered? It is powered by the included high-current DC power supply adapter, which plugs into a standard wall outlet.

13. Can I run it off a battery for mobile use? Yes, but you will need to provide your own high-discharge LiPo battery (typically 7.4V or 11.1V, depending on the servo specifications) and ensure you have the correct barrel jack adapter. A battery is not included.

14. What do the different servo models (LX-225, HTS-16L, HTS-25L) mean? Different joints require different amounts of strength. The base and shoulder use the highest torque servos (like the 25kg/cm HTS-25L) to lift the entire arm, while the lightweight gripper uses a smaller, faster servo.

15. Is there a risk of the servos burning out if they get stuck? The intelligent bus servos have built-in protection. They monitor their own temperature and voltage, and can automatically shut down if they detect a stall or overheating condition, preventing permanent damage.

16. How difficult is the assembly process? It is challenging but deeply rewarding. It typically takes an adult or a focused teenager 2 to 4 hours to carefully assemble the mechanical parts and route the wires.

17. What tools are required for assembly? The kit includes a Phillips head screwdriver, which is the primary tool needed. Small needle-nose pliers (not included) can also be helpful for holding tiny nuts during assembly.

18. Can this lift heavy objects? While the servos are strong, the leverage of a long arm reduces payload capacity. It is designed to lift and manipulate small, lightweight objects (a few hundred grams) for educational purposes, not heavy industrial payloads.

19. Will the arm tip over when reaching far forward? The base is specifically designed with a large 283x160mm footprint and heavy metal plates to act as a counterweight. However, if lifting a heavy object at maximum horizontal extension, you may want to bolt the base to a wooden workbench using the provided mounting holes.

20. Does it come with a printed manual? Manufacturers typically provide a QR code or a link to download comprehensive, full-color PDF manuals and step-by-step video assembly tutorials to ensure you always have the most up-to-date instructions.