U.S. tech firm Hugging Face, in collaboration with French robotics developer The Robotic Studio, robotics retailer WowRobo, robotics half vendor PartaBot and Chinese language IoT {hardware} provider Seeed Studio, has unveiled the SO-ARM101—the most recent addition to its open-source, 3D printable robotic arm collection. Designed for hands-on experimentation in reinforcement studying and imitation studying, the SO-ARM101 is a part of the broader SO-ARM10x platform, which incorporates the sooner SO-ARM100. The system integrates with Hugging Face’s LeRobot framework—a PyTorch-based toolkit for robotic AI improvement—and goals to offer a low-cost, accessible {hardware} possibility for AI analysis and coaching.
“Constructing on prime of the insanely profitable SO-100 (the preferred robotic arms ever?), SO-101 are the primary robotic arms any AI builder can buy. It prices from $100 to $500 relying on how a lot you need it assembled and your nation of transport. Can’t wait to see what you all construct with it. Let’s go open-source inexpensive AI robotics!,” mentioned Clément Delangue, Co-founder & CEO, Hugging Face.
Key upgrades within the SO-ARM101 embody a redesigned wiring system to forestall disconnection points at joint 3, in addition to mechanical adjustments that enhance vary of movement. The chief arm now makes use of motors with optimized gear ratios, eliminating the necessity for exterior gearboxes. Moreover, real-time synchronization between the chief and follower arms permits human-in-the-loop studying, permitting customers to information or regulate robotic actions throughout coaching.
Platform Options and Use Instances
The SO-ARM10x collection is supported by a full suite of open-source sources, together with meeting directions, calibration instruments, information assortment guides, and deployment documentation. The arms are appropriate with NVIDIA’s reComputer Mini J4012 Orin NX 16GB, making them appropriate for edge-based AI coaching and on-device inference.
By way of the LeRobot framework, customers can simulate, practice, and deploy fashions for bodily duties akin to object manipulation, greedy, and placement. These workflows are supposed to assist customers iterate rapidly on AI mannequin improvement in real-world settings. Neighborhood help is out there through GitHub and Discord, the place technical documentation and updates are maintained.
System Overview and Technical Specs
The SO-ARM101 shares its structure with the sooner SO-ARM100 however consists of focused enhancements for efficiency and reliability. The next desk outlines key specs:
| Characteristic | SO-ARM100 Arm Package | SO-ARM100 Arm Package Professional | SO-ARM101 Arm Package | SO-ARM101 Arm Package Professional |
| Chief Arm Configuration | 12× 7.4V 1:345 gear ratio motors (all joints) | 12× 12V 1:345 gear ratio motors (all joints) | 1× 7.4V 1:345 motor (Joint No.2)2× 7.4V 1:191 motors (Joints No.1 & No.3)3× 7.4V 1:145 motors (Joints No.4, No.5 & gripper) | 1× 7.4V 1:345 motor (Joint No.2)2× 7.4V 1:191 motors (Joints No.1 & No.3)3× 7.4V 1:145 motors (Joints No.4, No.5 & gripper) |
| Energy Provide | 5.5mm×2.1mm DC 5V 4A | 5.5mm×2.1mm DC 12V 2A | 5.5mm×2.1mm DC 5V 4A | Follower Arm: 5.5mm×2.1mm DC 12V 2A Chief Arm: 5.5mm×2.1mm DC 5V 4A |
| Angle Sensor | 12-bit magnetic encoder | 12-bit magnetic encoder | 12-bit magnetic encoder | 12-bit magnetic encoder |
| Working Temperature | 0℃ – 40℃ | 0℃ – 40℃ | 0℃ – 40℃ | 0℃ – 40℃ |
| Communication Methodology | UART | UART | UART | UART |
| Management Methodology | PC | PC | PC | PC |
The Rise of Open-Supply 3D Printed Robots
In 2020, researchers at Intel Labs launched the OpenBot, an open-source, 3D printed sensible robotic that may be constructed for underneath $50. Designed to work in tandem with a contemporary smartphone, OpenBot leverages the telephone’s computing energy to autonomously navigate and carry out real-time sensing duties—akin to person-following and primary reconnaissance. By releasing the mission as open supply, Intel goals to empower a world group of tinkerers to push the boundaries of low-cost robotics.
In the same spirit, researchers from the NYU Tandon Faculty of Engineering and the Max Planck Institute for Clever Programs (MPI-IS) developed Solo 8, a completely open-source, 3D printed quadruped robotic canine. Engineered to be each low-cost and scalable, Solo 8 provides robotics fanatics and educators an inexpensive entry level into legged locomotion analysis. Its modular development permits customers to construct and experiment with their very own robotic companion with out the prohibitive prices usually related to superior robotic platforms.
Who received the 2024 3D Printing Business Awards?
Subscribe to the 3D Printing Business e-newsletter to maintain up with the most recent 3D printing information.You may as well observe us on LinkedIn, and subscribe to the 3D Printing Business Youtube channel to entry extra unique content material.
Characteristic picture exhibits SO-ARM101 Robotic Arm. Photograph through: Hugging Face.
