RobotShop Releases Lynxmotion’s New Articulated Robot Arm

Lynxmotion's new smart servo based articulated robot arm is now available! This modular arm uses the updated Servo Erector Set (SES) V2 robot construction system and includes many new features and functionality. Take a look at the video below:

6th Generation Articulated Robotic Arm

Lynxmotion started in 1996 and was a pioneer in hobby robots. Over time, the selection of robots evolved to include modular, interchangeable components and eventually became a robotic design and construction system known as the “Servo Erector Set” (S.E.S.). Lynxmotion’s previous generation of robotic arms, the AL5 series, offered great value and versatility and are very popular in schools as well as the hobbyist community. However, as with almost all of Lynxmotion’s previous robots, the actuators used were standard RC servo motors.

With the release this year of Lynxmotion’s new smart servo-based S.E.S. V2 system, it was just a matter of time before new platforms would be released; the first of which is a new articulated robotic arm.

Unlike many of the other robotic arms on the market, this one was designed to be modular and configurable. It is just as comfortable being used on a tabletop as it is being integrated into a mobile robot base, and can easily be connected to and controlled from a computer or microcontroller.

When compared to a four-axis robot arm, the added degree of freedom in the wrist allows objects to be picked up and oriented, and the overall working envelope is largely unrestricted. The new angular 2-jaw gripper design accommodates a wide range of objects and the jaws automatically halt and hold when an object is detected.

The number of different types of hardware used to assemble the LSS Articulated arm as compared to the AL5D has decreased by almost 90%. Assembly of the new arm takes around one hour and once the zeros are configured, the arm can be tested using the new LSS FlowArm software.

LSS FlowArm is a Windows-based graphical software interface made specifically for this arm to help users get up and running quickly. Easily record, edit and run sequences by positioning the virtual arm on screen, inputting coordinates or using manual teach mode. 

Smart Servos & Mechanics

The Lynxmotion Smart Servos used at each joint are fully configurable, allowing a user to adjust each joint; anything from the maximum speed and angular range to the stiffness and RGB LED color. The custom serial communication protocol was designed to be human-readable and intuitive.

They also include built-in error detection to help ensure they do not consume too much current, overheat or are physically blocked. The arm includes parts to create a standard configuration, which can be changed or upgraded using additional Lynxmotion SES V2 parts. 

* Note that at full reach, the arm can support a specific load, but cannot lift it vertically. It can lift 25% of that load vertically.

About Lynxmotion

Lynxmotion is one of the oldest brands of robot kits, including robot arms, biped walking robots, quadrupeds, hexapods, rovers and more. Lynxmotion platforms are well known in the robotics industry and are used by hobbyists, in education, by small and large businesses and also have been showcased in Hollywood movies and on television.