ArbotiX-M Robocontroller

The ArbotiX-M Robocontroller is at the heart of every Interbotix Robot. This versatile robot controller is an advanced control solution for BIOLOID and DYNAMIXEL based actuators. As an Arduino compatible microcontroller the Arbotix Robocontroller also benefits from a huge open source community of libraries and examples. Since its release in 2010 the Arbotix has quickly become a favorite among builders worldwide from hobby to high level research.

The 'M' in ArbotiX-M stands for mini - this new board is over 25% smaller than the original ArbotiX! The changes from the ArbotiX to the ArbotiX-M are as follows:

• A smaller footprint(61mm X 61mm)
• 10 more general purpose I/O pins
• Barrel Jack for DC Power
• Separate Power Bus for 4 PWM Digital outputs for Hobby Servos
• No dedicated I2C header (I2C is still available on D16 = SCL D17=SDA)
• No DC Brushed Motor Controller
• Not compatible with the RX-Bridge

For a more in-depth comparison, click here

The ArbotiX robocontroller is an advanced control solution for AX/MX/RX/EX DYNAMIXEL servos and BIOLOID Based robots. It incorporates a powerful AVR microcontroller, XBEE wireless radio, dual motor drivers, and 3-pin servo-style headers for digital and analog I/O.

As an Arduino compatible board, the ArbotiX can be used with the Arduino IDE. We've also released an open source library and sample programs to help with controlling DYNAMIXEL AX/MX/RX/EX servos. You can find detailed information on setting up the ArboitX here

The ArbotiX hardware and firmware support a variety of DYNAMIXEL servos.

Directly Compatible:

• AX-12A
• AX-18A
• AX-12W
• MX-28T
• MX-64T
• MX-106T
• 16MHz AVR microcontroller (ATMEGA644p).
• 2 serial ports, 1 dedicated to Bioloid servo controller, the other to the XBEE radio/FTDI programming
• 3 TTL DYNAMIXEL 3-pin style ports onboard, plug your TTL AX/MX DYNAMIXEL servos directly in!
• 28 Digital I/O, 8 of which can also function as analog inputs
• Servo style 3-pin headers (gnd, vcc, signal) on all 28 I/O pins
• XBEE radios sold separately, not compatible with PRO series A typical setup will require 2 XBEE radios and an UartSBee w/ USB Cable to be able to wirelessly control your robot from your computer or with an ArbotiX Commander
• This board requires either an FTDI cable or ISP for programming. For an FTDI cable we recommend the Sparkfun FTDI - USB Cable, alternately you can use our USB AVR Programmer.

Getting Started

• Quick Start Guide

• Setting DYNAMIXEL IDs with the Dynamanager
• Hardware Overview

External Hardware

• Configuring XBees for the ArbotiX

• LiPo Battery Guide

Communication and Controllers

• ArbotiX Commander Setup

• Commander Console Setup
• Arm Control Setup

Advanced Topics

• Advanced Programming guide for the ArbotiX

• Powering the ArbotiX
• Advanced Use of the TR DYNAMIXEL Servo Tool
• ArbotiX Library and Hardware Files

Legacy Documentation

• Original ArbotiX Hardware Overview

• Powering the Original ArbotiX

Other Resources

• Vanadium Labs ArbotiX Page

• Vanadium Labs Github
• ArbotiX Google Code Site
• Google Code ArbotiX Setup
• Setting up and Using PyPose
• ArbotiX Manual (PDF)
• ArbotiX Commander Manual(PDF)
• ArbotiX on the ROS WIki

Downloads

• DynaManager Software

• ArbotiX Library and Hardware Files