In the rapidly evolving field of robotics technology, Elephant Robotics' myCobot Pro 600 has proven its significant applicability in education, scientific research, and light industrial fields. As a robotic arm with 6 degrees of freedom, the myCobot Pro 600, with its 600mm working radius and 2kg end load capacity, meets a diverse range of operational needs. However, its original design, which utilized a combination of 3 servo motors and 3 harmonic reducers, showed performance limitations in certain application scenarios.
To comprehensively enhance performance and better meet market demands, we have undertaken an in-depth technical upgrade of the myCobot Pro 600, resulting in the birth of myCobot Pro 630. This upgrade is not just an enhancement of existing features but a comprehensive optimization of the user experience, enabling it to demonstrate exceptional performance and flexibility in a wider range of application scenarios. The improvements in the new generation myCobot Pro 630 aim to provide users with a more efficient and intelligent robotic arm operation experience, thereby promoting broader innovation and efficiency improvements in educational and industrial applications.
Technological and Performance EnhancementsWe will now focus on 2 main aspects of this upgrade: hardware and software.
Hardware UpgradeEnhanced Mechanical StructureThe original 3+3 mode (3 servo motors + 3 harmonic reducer joint modules) has been upgraded to 6 high-standard self-developed harmonic joint modules. With high-performance quality, the myCobot Pro 630 is 30% smaller in size compared to the myCobot Pro 600, yet it still maintains a maximum end-load capacity of 2kg.
High-precision harmonic reducers, which use flexible deformation to adjust transmission ratios, are characterized by their simple structure, high precision, large torque, and compact size. They are commonly used in applications requiring high precision and high torque output, such as in industrial machinery and aerospace equipment.
Building on this, the newly upgraded myCobot Pro 630 now features a working radius of 630mm and an improved repeat positioning accuracy of 0.1mm, accommodating a wider range of application scenarios.
Moreover, the key performance upgrades in the myCobot Pro 630 are not merely numerical increases; they signify the potential capabilities of the myCobot Pro 630 in industrial and experimental research applications. The service life has significantly extended to 10, 000 hours—not just a fivefold increase in numbers, but also an assurance to users of a longer worry-free usage period. In a demanding environment, this enhanced durability reduces the need for maintenance and equipment replacement, thereby significantly lowering the operational costs of the robotic arm and enhancing work continuity.
The maximum joint movement speed has also seen a significant enhancement. The myCobot 630 achieves a standard of 160°/second, compared to the myCobot 600's 115°/second. This 40% increase in speed elevates the machine’s responsiveness to a new level.
The software upgrade of the myCobot Pro 630 is equally impressive, enhancing not only the operational capabilities of the robotic arm but also providing a more intuitive and user-friendly interactive experience. This robotic arm is equipped with a custom Linux operating system, which delivers more stable and smooth performance, ensuring continuous and stable operation in various environments.
Innovation in Roboflow Control SoftwareThe Roboflow control software equipped with the myCobot Pro 630 represents a significant leap in innovation. This software supports continuous 24/7 operation, meaning that whether it's for prolonged industrial automation processes or complex research projects, the myCobot Pro 630 can perform tasks non-stop. The user interface of the Roboflow software has been meticulously designed to make programming and operation more direct and convenient, allowing even non-professionals to quickly master it.
Moreover, compared to the myCobot Pro 600, the myCobot Pro 630 has expanded support for programming languages and development environments. It supports common languages like Python and C++, and includes comprehensive support for ROS1 and ROS2. This provides tremendous convenience for robotics learners and developers, allowing for everything from simple programming to complex robot operating system development to proceed smoothly on the myCobot Pro 630. For researchers and developers, such support significantly expands their research and application scope in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation fields.
The myCobot Pro 630's open control interface allows users to easily integrate a variety of devices and modules. We have also matched it with multiple end effectors, such as grippers and vision modules.
It provides 4 USB ports, 2 RS485 industrial interfaces, 1 EtherNet/IP, and 12 24V-I/O among other peripheral interfaces. This expandability not only makes it possible to provide customized solutions but also ensures that the myCobot Pro 630 can adapt to future technological developments, meeting the growing needs of various applications.
Application ScenariosNext, we explore several practical cases to demonstrate how the myCobot Pro 630 showcases its exceptional capabilities in different environments.
Scenario 1: 3D Vision-Guided Sorting and PickingIn the fast-paced 3C industry, small parts are often mixed together, leading to cluttered workstations and making it difficult to quickly and accurately locate parts. To address this issue, we have designed a special application scenario: using machine vision technology for precise part classification. With the widespread application of 3D camera technology, these cameras can directly measure the dimensions of objects, regardless of whether the objects are stacked or scattered in various odd poses, and precisely identify their attributes.
Here, we see that through model training, parts are meticulously categorized into four classes. With a specially designed training dataset, the system can quickly recognize and classify parts. This case fully demonstrates the perfect integration of motion control, machine vision, and deep learning technologies, providing a vivid example of automation and intelligence in the 3C industry. It proves how the integration of advanced technologies can effectively enhance the functionality and productivity of industrial operations.
To expand the application range of the robotic arm and overcome its working radius limitations, we can mount it on a mobile platform, such as an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) equipped with SLAM radar. This configuration not only enhances the flexibility of the robotic arm but also broadens its operational capabilities in different environments.
Configuring the robotic arm on a movable robot significantly expands its functionality. For example, it can perform logistics handling in warehouses or execute fixed-route cruising and material handling tasks inside factories. This combination not only improves work efficiency but also increases operational flexibility.
The AGV equipped with SLAM radar can navigate efficiently and avoid obstacles, enabling the robotic arm to be used not only in conventional work environments but also in special or extreme conditions, such as disaster areas after an earthquake. In these scenarios, the AGV can autonomously navigate through rubble, while the robotic arm can be used for search and rescue or even for the emergency transport and distribution of supplies.
The robotic arm holds an important position in industrial fields and also displays unique charm in artistic creation. Through G-code programming language, one can precisely control the movement trajectory, speed, and other parameters of the robotic arm, achieving accurate artistic creation.
Imagine a traditional street artist quickly capturing and drawing your portrait on the street. Now, if a robotic arm were to perform such a drawing, its novelty and technical content could bring a new perspective to artistic creation. The robotic arm can not only reproduce delicate portraits but also incorporate programmed elements during the painting process, creating unique artworks.
This application of technology makes the robotic arm an innovative tool in artistic creation, bridging traditional and modern technologies. A painting robotic arm is not just a display of technology but also a vivid embodiment of the fusion of art and technology, opening up new realms of artistic expression. Such applications not only add interest to artistic creation but also promote the exploration and application of innovative technologies in non-traditional fields.
The upgrade of the myCobot Pro 630 has not only enhanced its performance but also expanded its practicality in areas such as industrial automation, artistic creation, and applications in special environments. This demonstrates the flexibility and innovative potential of modern robotic arm technology.
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