Dobot MG400

Name: Dobot MG400
Brand: Dobot

Compact desktop collaborative robot for precision automation

$4,999 – $5,999

The Dobot MG400 is a lightweight desktop collaborative robot designed for small-scale automation tasks in education, research, and light industrial applications. With a 440mm reach, 750g payload capacity, and ±0.05mm repeatability, it offers precise operation in a compact footprint. The robot features four axes of movement and supports multiple programming methods including graphical programming, making it accessible for both beginners and professionals.

Released: 2020

Overview

The Dobot MG400 represents a new generation of desktop collaborative robots designed to bring industrial-grade automation to small workspaces. With its compact design and 8kg weight, the MG400 can be easily deployed on workbenches, production lines, or educational settings without requiring extensive setup or safety caging. The robot's four-axis configuration provides sufficient flexibility for pick-and-place, assembly, inspection, and light material handling tasks.

Built with a focus on ease of use, the MG400 features multiple programming interfaces including blockly-based graphical programming, Python scripting, and traditional robotic programming methods. This versatility makes it suitable for users ranging from students learning robotics fundamentals to engineers implementing production automation. The robot's collaborative design includes built-in safety features and complies with ISO 10218-1 standards for collaborative operation.

The MG400's modular end-effector interface supports a wide range of tooling options including grippers, suction cups, and custom fixtures. Combined with its precision repeatability and fast cycle times, the robot delivers reliable performance for applications requiring consistent accuracy in confined spaces.

Key Features

Compact Design: 8kg lightweight construction suitable for desktop deployment with minimal footprint
High Precision: ±0.05mm repeatability ensuring consistent performance for precision tasks
Multi-Interface Programming: Supports blockly graphical programming, Python, LUA, and traditional methods
Flexible Connectivity: Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Modbus, and RS485 communication options for seamless integration
Collaborative Operation: Built-in safety features compliant with ISO 10218-1 standards
Fast Operation: Maximum speed of 3 m/s enabling efficient cycle times
ROS Compatible: Full ROS support for advanced robotics research and development

Applications

The MG400 excels in environments where space is limited but precision automation is required. In manufacturing, it handles tasks such as small parts assembly, quality inspection, machine tending, and packaging operations. Electronics manufacturers use the robot for component placement, PCB handling, and product testing. The robot's compact size and collaborative features make it ideal for laboratory automation, including sample handling, liquid dispensing, and specimen sorting in research and medical facilities.

Educational institutions leverage the MG400 as a teaching platform for robotics, automation, and programming courses. Its intuitive programming interfaces allow students to progress from basic concepts to advanced applications. Small businesses and maker spaces use the robot for rapid prototyping, custom manufacturing, and product development where traditional industrial robots would be impractical due to space or budget constraints.

Technical Highlights

The MG400's four-axis SCARA-type configuration provides optimal kinematics for planar tasks while maintaining high speed and accuracy. The robot utilizes high-precision harmonic drives and encoders to achieve its exceptional ±0.05mm repeatability, ensuring consistent performance across millions of cycles. The integrated control system processes motion planning and safety monitoring in real-time, enabling responsive and safe operation in collaborative environments.

Dobot's proprietary control architecture supports advanced features including trajectory optimization, force control capabilities through the I/O interface, and seamless integration with vision systems. The robot's open SDK and extensive API documentation facilitate custom application development, while pre-built integrations with popular industrial protocols enable quick deployment in existing automation ecosystems. The MG400's design emphasizes serviceability with easily accessible components and modular construction for straightforward maintenance.