Robotic Arm Types

This Robotic Arm Types post is a sub-topic of Robotic Arm Project. It seems logical to decide which is the best type of arm to use for the project. There probably are more types than I have listed, since I knew I wanted to work with Arduino (DC Microcontroller) I didn’t spend much time investigating all of the variables.

DC Servo vs. DC Stepper

Stepper motors are reportedly better and cheaper but it seems like a good High Quality DC Servo Motor fit with the recommended digital servos. They are digital which makes them function much like a stepper. Steppers have a dedicated amount of steps and degrees of rotation. They can be rotated 1 step at a time. The report I read stated that servos did not have these capabilities. Well, the DC digital servos I purchased are 180 degree and 180 steps. I can program any amount (up to 180) steps per instruction so I’m happy with these DC digital servos. Not sure if I can extract the position of the servo but that is later in the Robotic Arm Project.

The OWI Robotic Arm Edge reportedly has DC servos also.

Pneumatic vs Hydraulic

Air is compressible so it is a loser for the Robotic Arm Project. Hydraulic (Liquid) like that of the OWI Hydraulic Arm Edge Kit looks OK for a physically operated system. See what this guy thinks. Based on the scope of Robotic Arm Project it would take an excessive amount of retro fitting to program this type of unit. Looks like a good coordination builder. These would be good for kids to start with and maybe reveal or enhance any interest in robotics.