The two MagPi tutorials show how the CDP Studio kinematics framework can be used to make applications and control 6-axis robotic arms. The tutorial, in good MagPi spirit, uses a Raspberry Pi controlled robotic arm. The example and downloadable projects are made for a specific robotic model but can easily be updated to work with any arm, industrial, or for more home use.
The project can be run without the robotic arm; you then see the arm’s digital representation (digital twin) in the CDP kinematics viewer. The projects can run on any Windows or Linux PC/controller. The robotics arm used is a myCobot 280 Pi from Elephant Robotics.
“Pick and place” – arm movement recorder and playback
The project allows you to move the arm and record the position. The joints’ position can be adjusted in the user interface; steps can be added or removed. All joint positions are visible in the CDP kinematics viewer.
The arm is equipped with a gripper, and when executing the steps, it performs all the pick-and-place steps.
This project demonstrates how advanced robotics can be made accessible using a low-code environment, highlighting the potential for integrating robotics into industrial settings. The key learning point is the application of inverse kinematics for real-time control of robotic arms, emphasising practical skills in automation and control systems.
Download the project: Record’n’Play for myCobot 6-DOF robot arm
MagPi Magazine tutorial: CDP Studio: Control a robot arm
Controlling a robotic arm with a Wii Remote
This project is similar to the above but more fun. The robotic arm is manually moved using gaming controllers, such as a Nintendo Wii Remote and Nunchuk.
The setup with the CDP kinematics enables the robot arm to respond accurately to the movements and inputs from the Wii controllers. This project shows how easily accessible technology can be used to also build innovative industrial applications.
By using familiar devices, such as gaming controllers, low-cost robotic arms and a low-code development environment, this project opens up new possibilities for making complex robotic systems more accessible and engaging, particularly in educational environments.
Download the project: Remote controller for 6-DOF myCobot robot arm using Wii Remotes
MagPi Magazine tutorial: Control a robot arm with a Wii Remote (page 56)