How to build Arduinobot
4-DoF desktop robot arm · Beginner
Build Arduinobot, Antonio Brandi's 3D-printed hobby-servo arm for learning ROS 2 Humble/Jazzy, MoveIt 2, Gazebo and Alexa voice control with an Arduino.
Mostly printed parts and plug-in servos. Good first build.
Our estimate, part-time
Price the BOM yourself
License not stated
What is Arduinobot?
Arduinobot is a small 3D-printed arm Antonio Brandi designed as the hands-on project for his Udemy course on ROS 2 manipulators. It keeps the hardware simple, with hobby servos and an Arduino, so the attention goes to the software.
The value is in the ROS 2 workspace that comes with it: a URDF and Gazebo simulation, a ros2_control hardware interface, a MoveIt 2 configuration, Python and C++ example nodes, and an Alexa skill that moves the arm by voice. It's a complete manipulator stack in miniature.
Arduinobot specifications
- Actuators
- Hobby PWM servos
- Controller
- Arduino over USB serial
- ROS
- ROS 2 Humble (Ubuntu 22.04) or Jazzy (Ubuntu 24.04)
- Planning
- MoveIt 2
Figures as published by the project. See Sources below.
Bill of materials
| Part | Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hobby servos | — | One per joint plus gripper |
| Arduino board | 1 | |
| 3D-printed parts | — | Meshes in the repo |
| 5 V servo supply | 1 |
Where's the full bill of materials?
The full BOM, with exact quantities and vendors, lives in the project's own files. Prices change often, so treat Not published as a ballpark. Start at the project repository.
Tools you'll need
- 3D printer
- Small screwdrivers
- Ubuntu PC
- Arduino IDE
Step-by-step build overview
Electronics & wiring overview
The servos plug into Arduino PWM pins and run from a separate 5 V supply. The Arduino talks to the ros2_control interface over USB. Don't power several servos from the Arduino's own 5 V pin.
Software
The repo includes bringup, controller, description, MoveIt, messages, Python and C++ examples, and a remote package for Alexa.
Tips from the bench
- ☕ You can learn the whole stack in simulation before printing anything.
- ☕ Brownouts reset the Arduino, so give the servos their own supply.
- ☕ Pair Humble with Ubuntu 22.04 and Jazzy with 24.04.
Arduinobot FAQ
Do I need the course to build Arduinobot?
No. The repo is public, but the course explains each package in depth.
Which ROS 2 versions are supported?
Humble and Jazzy.
Can it take voice commands?
Yes. A package connects it to an Amazon Alexa skill.
Sources
Written by Bots n' Beans from the project's own documentation. Check the sources for the latest revision before you buy parts.
Related builds
Robot deals
All deals →
Get dealDeal · Everblog
10% off
ShopShop · CircuitMess
DIY robot kits
Robot and gadget kits you build yourself.
ShopShop · GRABO
Cordless vacuum lifter
GRABO Pro Brushless: the original cordless vacuum lifter for pavers, stone, glass and panels.
Like what we do? Buying through these links supports Bots n' Beans. We earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!