How to choose a robot arm or developer robot
Match a desktop robot arm or mobile base to the task, workspace, controller and software your project needs.
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The quick answer
Start with the job. The myPalletizer 260 is a four-axis tabletop arm with a listed 260 mm working radius and 250 g payload. The myCobot 280 M5 and Pi are six-axis arms with a listed 280 mm working radius and 250 g payload; the M5 uses an ESP32 based M5Stack controller, while the Pi version uses a Raspberry Pi 4B. ThinkRobotics’ SO-101 kit is a six-axis, 3D-printed route into the open-source LeRobot workflow, with assembly and calibration to plan for. Waveshare’s WAVEGO Pro is a 12-DOF quadruped with an ESP32 motion controller; its Basic package does not include the optional Raspberry Pi host or camera. myAGV Pi and Hiwonder ROSOrin are mobile bases for mapping and ROS projects, not arm substitutes; confirm the exact chassis, sensors and controller in the chosen kit. Check the package, end effector and software path before choosing.
Begin with the motion your project needs
Write down the task before comparing model names. A fixed tabletop arm can suit pick-and-place, drawing or control experiments. A mobile base adds navigation and movement between locations, which matters for mapping or a mobile manipulation project. The myAGV Pi listing describes a four-mecanum-wheel base with 2D mapping and ROS support; an arm and mounting hardware depend on the selected kit.
Compare reach, payload and axes together
The myCobot 280 Pi and M5 listings specify six degrees of freedom, a 280 mm working radius and a 250 g payload. The myPalletizer 260 M5Stack lists four degrees of freedom, a 260 mm working radius and the same 250 g payload. Treat these as manufacturer specifications for the exact model. Include the gripper, camera or other tool in the load, and allow room for the full movement envelope on the bench.
Choose the controller and software stack
The myCobot 280 Pi uses a Raspberry Pi 4B and Ubuntu Mate and is presented as a standalone development option. The myCobot 280 M5 pairs an ESP32 based M5Stack controller with dual screens. The myPalletizer 260 uses an M5Stack Basic controller. Elephant Robotics lists tools including myBlockly, Python and ROS across these models, while the exact language and ROS versions vary by controller. ThinkRobotics’ SO-101 takes a different route through Hugging Face LeRobot, with hands-on motor setup and calibration. WAVEGO Pro divides lower-level gait work between its ESP32 controller and an optional Raspberry Pi host; the Basic package includes no Pi. Check the current user guide before committing to a course, library or existing codebase.
Choose a mobile base or a mobile arm
The myAGV Pi and Hiwonder ROSOrin suit projects centered on a moving base, mapping and ROS. Hiwonder describes ROSOrin with several chassis versions and a Pi 5 or Jetson controller, while ThinkRobotics’ Starter Kit option does not specify the exact chassis or sensor pack. JetAuto Pro adds a six-axis arm to its mobile platform, making it the more relevant Hiwonder choice when manipulation belongs in the project. Confirm each kit’s parts list before planning around an arm, camera or LiDAR.
Check the complete kit and work area
A listed arm does not automatically include every end effector, camera, mounting plate or cable shown in a project image. Read the package selector and user guide for the exact model. ThinkRobotics lists leader and follower motor sets for its SO-101, but the page does not clearly state how many complete printed arm assemblies are included; confirm that before planning a two-arm project. WAVEGO Pro Basic arrives assembled and without a Raspberry Pi or camera, while the PI5 package includes a Pi 5 4GB. Secure tabletop robots, keep cables clear of moving parts and leave room for the full movement envelope. These are development platforms, so follow the manual and add controls appropriate to the project. The model rows below show the store regions and check dates.
Source-checked manufacturer listings
These are manufacturer listings, not independent Robot Current reviews. Listed prices are dated in the model database, and store buttons use the configured partner referral link.
Elephant Robotics myCobot 280 Pi
Makers and teaching labs that want a six-axis desktop arm with Raspberry Pi based development
Specs & details
The myCobot 280 Pi pairs six-axis motion, a 280 mm working radius and 250 g payload with a Raspberry Pi 4B and Ubuntu Mate. It can run without a separate desktop host; select a compatible end effector for projects that need to grip objects.
- Degrees of freedom
- 6
- Working radius
- 280 mm, manufacturer specification
- Payload
- 250 g, manufacturer specification
- Core board
- Raspberry Pi 4B
- Development
- Python, myBlockly and ROS1/ROS2
- Listed package
- myCobot 280 PI 2023
Elephant Robotics offer detailsHow to choose a robot arm or developer robot
Manufacturer listing, not an independent review · source checked 2026-10-20.Elephant Robotics myCobot 280 M5
Desktop programming and robotics projects that fit a six-axis arm with an M5Stack controller
Specs & details
The myCobot 280 M5 combines six-axis motion, a 280 mm working radius and 250 g payload with an ESP32 based M5Stack controller and dual screens. The official listing names Python, C++, C#, JavaScript, myBlockly and ROS development options.
- Degrees of freedom
- 6
- Working radius
- 280 mm, manufacturer specification
- Payload
- 250 g, manufacturer specification
- Weight
- 800 g, manufacturer specification
- Controller
- ESP32 based M5Stack with dual screens
- Development
- Python, C++, C#, JavaScript, myBlockly and ROS1/ROS2
Elephant Robotics offer detailsHow to choose a robot arm or developer robot
Manufacturer listing, not an independent review · source checked 2026-10-20.Elephant Robotics myPalletizer 260 M5Stack
Tabletop pick-and-place demonstrations that fit a compact four-axis arm and 250 g payload
Specs & details
The myPalletizer 260 M5Stack is a four-axis desktop arm with a 260 mm working radius, 250 g payload and M5Stack Basic controller. Its smaller motion range and lower listed price distinguish it from the six-axis myCobot 280 options; confirm that four-axis movement suits the task.
- Degrees of freedom
- 4
- Working radius
- 260 mm, manufacturer specification
- Payload
- 250 g, manufacturer specification
- Weight
- 960 g, manufacturer specification
- Controller
- M5Stack Basic
- Development
- UIFlow, Blockly/Python, Arduino and ROS
Elephant Robotics offer detailsHow to choose a robot arm or developer robot
Manufacturer listing, not an independent review · source checked 2026-10-20.Elephant Robotics myAGV Pi
Mobile robotics projects focused on mapping, ROS navigation and a Raspberry Pi based development platform
Specs & details
myAGV Pi is a mobile base rather than a robotic arm. The US listing describes four mecanum wheels, Raspberry Pi 4B, 2D mapping and ROS support; it can pair with compatible arms, while the selected package determines which hardware is included.
- Platform
- Four-wheel mobile base with mecanum wheels
- Core board
- Raspberry Pi 4B
- Navigation
- 2D mapping and navigation, manufacturer listing
- Base payload
- 5 kg, manufacturer listing
- Development
- ROS, Python, graphical programming and visual software
- Listed package
- myAGV 2023 Pi / without Kit; optional package configurations are separate
Elephant Robotics offer detailsHow to choose a robot arm or developer robot
Manufacturer listing, not an independent review · source checked 2026-10-20.Compare the exact models
Your questions, answered.
Is myAGV Pi a robot arm?
No. It is a mobile base for mapping and navigation; verify whether an arm and mounting hardware are included in the selected package.
What is the difference between myCobot 280 Pi and M5?
Both list six-axis motion, 280 mm working radius and 250 g payload. The Pi version uses a Raspberry Pi 4B, while the M5 version uses an ESP32 based M5Stack controller with dual screens.
Can the myPalletizer 260 handle a 250 g object?
Elephant Robotics lists a 250 g payload. Include the gripper and any tool in the load, and check the manual for operating conditions across the workspace.
Do the arms include a gripper or camera?
Package contents vary. Check the exact store option and user guide for included end effectors, cameras, mounts and cables.
Can a beginner program these robots?
The manufacturer lists visual tools such as myBlockly and programming options such as Python, but setup and supported software vary by controller. Check the model-specific tutorials before buying.
What should I confirm before buying the ThinkRobotics SO-101?
Confirm how many complete printed arm assemblies are included, since the listing names leader and follower motor sets without clearly stating the finished arm count. The kit also needs assembly and calibration, and the camera and mount are not included.
Does WAVEGO Pro Basic include a Raspberry Pi or camera?
No. The Basic variant is listed without either. The PI5 package includes a Raspberry Pi 5 with 4GB, and the manufacturer lists the 5MP camera with the ACCE and PI5 packages.
How does ROSOrin differ from JetAuto Pro?
ROSOrin is described as a wheeled ROS platform for mobile robotics; JetAuto Pro adds a six-axis arm. The ThinkRobotics ROSOrin Starter listing does not settle its exact chassis and sensor contents, so compare the current packing lists.
Which LiDAR is in the ROSOrin kit?
ThinkRobotics names an MS200 TOF model, while Hiwonder’s current product information lists STL-19P and D500 TOF models. Confirm the exact component with the seller before choosing around it.
Further reading & sources
- ThinkRobotics LeRobot SO-101 6 Axis Robotic Arm review · ThinkRobotics store
- Waveshare WAVEGO Pro 12-DOF Bionic Dog-Like Robot review · Waveshare store
- Elephant Robotics myCobot 280 M5 (dual-screen version) review · Elephant Robotics store
- Elephant Robotics myPalletizer 260 M5Stack (dual-screen version) review · Elephant Robotics store
- Elephant Robotics myCobot 280 for Arduino review · Elephant Robotics store
- Elephant Robotics myCobot 320 M5 (arm only) review · Elephant Robotics store
- Elephant Robotics myArm M750 (arm only) review · Elephant Robotics store
- Elephant Robotics myArm C650 controller (controller only) review · Elephant Robotics store
- Elephant Robotics myBuddy 280 Pi (dual-arm robot) review · Elephant Robotics store
- Elephant Robotics myAGV 2023 Pi (without kit) review · Elephant Robotics store
- Hiwonder ROSOrin review · Hiwonder store
- Hiwonder JetAuto Pro review · Hiwonder store
- Hiwonder SpiderPi Pro review · Hiwonder store
- Hiwonder PuppyPi review · Hiwonder store
Put the advice into practice.
ThinkRobotics LeRobot SO-101 6 Axis Robotic Arm
An open-source LeRobot arm kit for learning how teleoperation and imitation learning fit together.
Best for Makers, educators and research teams ready to assemble and calibrate a six-axis platform for LeRobot experiments
Read the review
Waveshare WAVEGO Pro 12-DOF Bionic Dog-Like Robot
A pre-assembled quadruped for exploring gait control, self-balancing and embedded robotics.
Best for Advanced makers, educators and robotics labs that want an open-source quadruped with an ESP32 controller and an optional Raspberry Pi host
Read the review
Elephant Robotics myCobot 280 M5 (dual-screen version)
A sub-1 kg six-axis desktop arm for learning Python, ROS and robotics.
Best for Students, makers and educators who want a compact six-axis arm to learn kinematics, Python and ROS
Read the review
Elephant Robotics myPalletizer 260 M5Stack (dual-screen version)
A compact four-axis arm for palletizing demos and maker projects.
Best for Makers and STEM educators who want an affordable four-axis arm for pick-and-place and palletizing
Read the review
Elephant Robotics myCobot 280 for Arduino
A six-axis desktop arm with Arduino hardware interfaces.
Best for Arduino users who want a six-axis arm that fits an Arduino workflow
Read the review
Elephant Robotics myCobot 320 M5 (arm only)
A 1 kg-payload six-axis arm with industrial I/O.
Best for Developers and educators who need a six-axis arm with a 1 kg payload and 24V industrial I/O
Read the review
Elephant Robotics myArm M750 (arm only)
A 750 mm six-plus-one-axis arm for kinematics and teleoperation projects.
Best for Researchers and educators working on teleoperation, kinematics and manipulation
Read the review
Elephant Robotics myArm C650 controller (controller only)
A 6+1 axis motion-capture controller for teleoperating other robots.
Best for Researchers collecting demonstration data or teleoperating a myArm M750 or myCobot 630
Read the review
Elephant Robotics myBuddy 280 Pi (dual-arm robot)
A Raspberry Pi dual-arm humanoid robot with a screen and two cameras.
Best for Researchers, students and developers exploring dual-arm control and vision on a desktop robot
Read the review
Elephant Robotics myAGV 2023 Pi (without kit)
A Raspberry Pi mobile chassis with 2D mapping and navigation.
Best for Developers and educators building mobile robots with mapping, navigation and optional arms
Read the review
Hiwonder ROSOrin
A Pi 5 wheeled ROS development platform for mobile robotics projects, with the exact chassis and sensor package to confirm before buying.
Best for Makers, educators and labs choosing a Raspberry Pi 5 (8GB) configuration for mobile ROS learning, especially when navigation matters more than an onboard arm.
Read the review
Hiwonder JetAuto Pro
A mobile ROS platform that brings LiDAR mapping, depth vision and six-axis arm work together for a lab project that needs both navigation and manipulation.
Best for Robotics educators, labs and advanced makers who want a Pi 5 controlled mobile base for ROS navigation and arm projects, and can plan around the kit’s pre-order lead time.
Read the review
Hiwonder SpiderPi Pro
A six-legged Raspberry Pi robot with a five-axis vision arm for learning locomotion and manipulation in one platform.
Best for Makers, educators and labs combining a mobile hexapod, camera and small-object manipulation in a defined Python project, with room for assembly and software setup.
Read the review
Hiwonder PuppyPi
A compact ROS quadruped with a Raspberry Pi 5 8GB configuration for developers who want an on-board computer and camera-centered projects in one kit.
Best for Robotics learners, educators and advanced makers who want to work with a Pi 5 based quadruped, ROS and manufacturer-described vision projects, and can handle software setup.
Read the review