Elephant Robotics myCobot 280 M5 (dual-screen version) review

The quick answer

The myCobot 280 M5 is Elephant Robotics’ compact collaborative arm for research, education and DIY. Elephant Robotics lists a weight under 1 kg, six degrees of freedom, a 250 g payload and IEEE recognition as one of the world’s smallest robot arms, with slider control, MoveIt demos and an optional AI kit for vision tasks.

Why we like it

Six degrees of freedom in a sub-1 kg desk arm
Python, C++, C# and Arduino programming plus ROS and MoveIt
Slider control and tutorials that suit beginners
Lego-style end-effector interface with grippers, cameras, pumps and pen or phone holders sold separately
An optional AI Kit adds machine-vision pick-and-place

Before you buy

A 250 g payload suits small objects and learning tasks, not heavy work
End effectors and the AI Kit are separate purchases
Elephant Robotics ships a related M5, Raspberry Pi and Arduino family, so check the controller you want

A friendly way into six-axis arms

The myCobot 280 M5 puts six degrees of freedom on a desk. Elephant Robotics describes it as lightweight, under 1 kg, and says IEEE recognized it as one of the world’s smallest robot arms. It lifts and moves objects up to 250 g, which is enough for learning tasks, pick-and-place demos and small projects.

Learn with the tools you already know

The arm supports Python, C++, C# and Arduino, with a Gitbook of tutorials from environment setup to control. Intuitive slider controls help beginners move joints, and MoveIt demos let more advanced users try path planning and obstacle avoidance, with ROS compatibility for simulation.

Add end effectors and vision

A Lego-style interface at the end of the arm supports adaptive, parallel and flexible grippers, a suction pump, a camera flange and holders. An optional AI Kit adds machine-vision tasks such as object recognition and grasping, and the arm can ride on a myAGV mobile chassis.

Our recommendation

Choose the M5 version for the most general-purpose myCobot 280. If you already work in Arduino, look at the Arduino model; for a Raspberry Pi brain, look at the Pi edition. Our robot arm buying guide covers the choices.

The details at a glance

Manufacturer specifications for Elephant Robotics myCobot 280 M5 (dual-screen version)
Degrees of freedom	6
Weight	Under 1 kg
Payload	250 g
Controller	M5Stack ESP32 with two screens and buttons
Programming	Python, C++, C#, Arduino; ROS and MoveIt
Expansion	Lego-style end-effector interface; optional AI Kit, grippers, base and holders
Store and price	Elephant Robotics Americas store: $649.00 USD (variant 4010100015)

Ready to choose?

Elephant Robotics myCobot 280 M5 (dual-screen version) · Students, makers and educators who want a compact six-axis arm to learn kinematics, Python and ROS

Official listed price

Elephant Robotics myCobot 280 M5 (dual-screen version)

Current listed price$649

Official price checked Oct 25, 2026. No code or discount is supplied through this partner link; confirm taxes and shipping in your cart.Visit the Elephant Robotics store

Shop Elephant Robotics Offer terms & statusNo public code supplied. Use the partner link above.

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Your questions, answered.

How much can the myCobot 280 M5 lift?

Elephant Robotics lists a 250 g payload.

What programming languages does it support?

Python, C++, C# and Arduino, with ROS and MoveIt for simulation and path planning.

Does it include a gripper?

End effectors such as the adaptive gripper are sold separately.

Who is it for?

Robotics learners, educators and makers.

How we put this review together

Product information checked against official sources on October 25, 2026; reviewed listing: Elephant Robotics store.
Product photography comes from Elephant Robotics; the background was removed while preserving the supplied product image.
No scores and no paid placement. Our recommendation is about fit, not commission.

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