Arduino Braccio++

The next evolution of the Tinkerkit Braccio robot, Arduino Braccio ++ is a robotic arm designed solely for higher education, including engineering schools and university institutes of technology – or even advanced high school and college students studying the sciences, industrial science or technology.

Arduino Braccio ++ is fully optimized and can be assembled in several ways for multiple tasks, such as moving objects, mounting a camera and tracking your movements, or attaching a solar panel and tracking the movement of the sun. Its uses are almost limitless.

Students will learn real life applications of physical concepts through lifting, placing, and rotating an item. These concepts include motions, forces, torque, gear ratios, stability, and weight of payload.

Arduino Braccio ++ offers a multitude of expansive possibilities from the very outset, including a new Braccio Carrier with LCD screen, new RS485 servo motors, and a totally enhanced experience. The main material used to build the Arduino Braccio ++ structure is a recycled and eco-friendly plastic called EcoAllene, a plastic material obtained from recycled polylaminate found in food cartons, meaning that all the plastic parts of Arduino Braccio ++ are sustainable and 100% recyclable.

In addition to the open-source hardware in the kit, there’s an e-learning platform with step-by-step instructions, lessons, and other learning materials. The content involves projects and lessons on how to use and test the different parts of the hardware ( including the display, joystick, buttons and intelligent motors) and covering kinematics, dynamics, and control at university. For high school, it also covers computer-integrated manufacturing.

The Arduino Braccio ++ offers a multitude of expansive possibilities from the very outset, including new RS485 servo motors. You can simply program and communicate with the new, intelligent Arduino smart servo motors, which are at the very heart of this new revision. The motor receives commands from the Arduino Nano RP2040 Connect board and also transmits data back and forth. This type of motor configuration and communication is compatible with industrial standards.

*EcoAllene plastic is a recycled material, the color of the components may vary.

What are the differences between the Tinkerkit Braccio and the Arduino Braccio ++ ?

We have made many updates and improvements to the original Tinkerkit Braccio robot to create Arduino Braccio ++. These include:

• A different carrier with RS485 serial communication, an LCD screen, and a joystick
• The kit now includes an Arduino board
• Instead of classic servo motors, the kit includes Arduino smart motors
• USB C powers the carrier and motors, and can be even used for charging your computer
• We are using a more sustainable material, Ecoallene, instead of ABS plastic
• You have a bigger base on which to mount the Arduino Braccio ++
• Improved packaging, allowing you to mount and transport your Arduino Braccio ++ in the box
• New, dedicated online content

Features:

• Carrier: Arduino Braccio Carrier
  • Nano Family (Inc. Nano RP2040 Connect)
• Peripherals:
  • Display: AX133T-IF05
  • Joystick: Switronic IT-1501-G
• Other I/O:
  • Programmable Digital I/O (24V logic): 12
• Connectivity:
  • USB Programming Port: Amphenol USB Type C
• Communication Protocols:
  • CAN-BUS: RS485 communication protocol
  • Programmable Serial Ports: RS232 communication protocol
• Power:
  • Supply Voltage: 7.4V
  • USB-C: Yes (used for power supply)
• Connectors:
  • 6x Motors: Adam Equipment LHA-04-TS
  • 2x Motors: Molex 44914-0601
• Dimensions:
  • Weight: 54g
  • Width: 78.5mm
  • Length: 122mm

Documents:

• Arduino Braccio Carrier Datasheet
• Schematic
• RS-232 & RS-485/422 Datasheet
• Fritzing Files
• Full Pinout
• STL Files
• STEP Files
• GitHub