myCobot 320
Compact 6-axis collaborative robotic arm for education and research
$2,999 – $3,299
The myCobot 320 is a lightweight 6-DOF collaborative robotic arm designed by Elephant Robotics for educational institutions, research labs, and desktop automation applications. With a 320mm working radius and 1kg payload capacity, it provides an accessible platform for learning robotics programming, machine vision integration, and automated manipulation tasks. Supporting multiple programming languages including Python, ROS, and Arduino, it serves as a versatile tool for STEM education and prototyping.
Released: 2021
Overview
The myCobot 320 represents Elephant Robotics' commitment to democratizing robotic automation through accessible, desktop-sized collaborative robot technology. As part of the myCobot family, the 320 model features a 320mm working radius that strikes an ideal balance between compact footprint and practical reach for educational and light industrial applications. Its lightweight 3kg construction and collaborative safety features make it suitable for direct human interaction without requiring safety caging.
Built around six high-precision servo motors, the myCobot 320 delivers smooth, coordinated motion across its full range of articulation. The arm's modular design philosophy allows for easy customization with various end effectors including grippers, suction cups, and pen holders. Powered by Elephant Robotics' proprietary control system, it integrates seamlessly with popular development environments and supports an extensive ecosystem of accessories and software tools.
Designed primarily for educational institutions and research facilities, the myCobot 320 serves as a practical learning platform for robotics fundamentals, programming concepts, and automation principles. Its affordable price point and comprehensive documentation lower the barrier to entry for students and hobbyists while maintaining the precision and reliability required for serious academic research and small-scale production prototyping.
Key Features
- Six-axis articulation: Provides full 6-DOF freedom of movement for complex manipulation tasks and trajectories
- Multi-platform programming: Native support for Python, ROS, C++, Arduino, and Blockly for diverse skill levels
- Modular end effector system: Quick-change interface compatible with adaptive grippers, vacuum tools, and custom attachments
- Compact desktop footprint: 150mm base diameter enables deployment in space-constrained educational and research environments
- Visual programming interface: myBlockly drag-and-drop interface makes robotics accessible to beginners without coding experience
- Wireless connectivity: Built-in Bluetooth and WiFi enable remote control and integration with IoT ecosystems
- Open-source ecosystem: Active community support with extensive tutorials, sample code, and third-party integrations
Applications
In educational settings, the myCobot 320 serves as a foundational tool for STEM curricula, enabling hands-on exploration of kinematics, control theory, machine vision, and artificial intelligence. Universities and technical colleges utilize it for robotics courses, senior design projects, and graduate research in human-robot interaction. Its compatibility with ROS makes it particularly valuable for teaching industry-standard robot programming frameworks. K-12 institutions leverage the visual programming interface to introduce younger students to automation concepts without requiring advanced coding skills.
Beyond education, the myCobot 320 finds application in research laboratories conducting studies in collaborative robotics, soft manipulation, and AI-driven control systems. Small businesses and makers employ it for desktop automation tasks such as pick-and-place operations, quality inspection, 3D printing support, and artistic applications including drawing and laser engraving. The platform's extensibility and affordability make it ideal for proof-of-concept development and rapid prototyping before scaling to larger industrial systems.
Technical Highlights
The myCobot 320's servo-based actuation system employs high-precision motors with integrated encoders, delivering ±0.5mm repeatability suitable for educational demonstrations and light precision work. Unlike traditional industrial robots requiring specialized controllers, it operates via USB power and communicates through standard protocols, simplifying integration with computers and embedded systems. The arm's joint torque sensing enables compliant motion and basic force feedback, supporting safe collaborative operation and adaptive grasping experiments.
Software accessibility stands as a defining technical achievement, with official SDKs available for Python, ROS, and microcontroller platforms. The myStudio control software provides a unified interface for motion programming, parameter tuning, and trajectory visualization. Advanced users can access low-level servo commands for custom control algorithms, while the ROS integration through the mycobot_ros package enables sophisticated applications including MoveIt motion planning and Gazebo simulation. This multi-layered software architecture accommodates users from absolute beginners to experienced roboticists conducting cutting-edge research.
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