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Getting Started with reBot Arm B601-DM

traj_sim_geodesic

License: MITPython VersionPlatformPinocchio

6-DOF Robotic Arm · Multi-Motor Support · Kinematics Solver · Trajectory Planning · Fully Open Source

Get One Now 🖱️

The content of this guide is racing towards you at the speed of light — stay tuned!

The reBot Arm project has been open-sourced on GitHub. This guide will take you through the quick start of B601-DM, from assembly to operation.

tip

If you purchased a pre-assembled kit, please skip directly to the tutorial video in Step 3 at the end of this article and follow along. There is no need to write motor IDs or calibrate zero positions.

Purchasing Options​

The reBot Arm B601-DM is available in multiple configurations to meet different user needs.

Options Comparison​

ConfigurationBodyGripperMotorsStructurePurchase Link
Complete Kit✅✅✅✅Coming Soon
Gripper Only❌✅❌❌Coming Soon
Body Only (Structure)✅❌❌✅Coming Soon
Body Only (Motors)✅❌✅❌Coming Soon

Step 1: Assembly Guide​

Before Assembly:

  • Please read the following instructions carefully to ensure a smooth assembly process.
    1. This kit includes various screws and parts with similar appearances. Verify specifications and orientation before fastening.
    2. The video was recorded in early April. Minor updates may exist, but assembly remains the same. Refer to shipped parts as final.
    3. Shipped screws have thread-lock applied. Use proper tools or an electric screwdriver (recommended). Set torque to (3–6 kgf·cm) to avoid stripping. If stripping occurs, stop immediately and replace or realign the screw. Stripped thread-lock screws are difficult to remove and may damage parts.
    4. Ensure safety during assembly. Avoid pinching or injury. Children must be supervised.

Step 2: Reset Motors ID​

AI AGENT​

tip

This section is in beta. Please observe safety precautions during use. If AI suggestions differ from this documentation, follow this guide and seek assistance from our engineers.

Let an AI AGENT assist you through this process. Copy the prompt below to your AI assistant:


Please follow the workflow in AGENTS.md (https://github.com/Welt-liu/reBot-B601-RS-Skills/blob/main/en/AGENTS.md) to help me initialize the robotic arm.

Before Reset Motors:​

Before motor parameter configuration, note the following preparations and safety rules:

  • Buy 2 tooling clamps (≥3 inches) and a 24V 15A XT30-output switching power supply (use regular brand, no inferior products).
  • Keep ≥1m distance during debugging/operation.
  • No motor hot-plugging; cut off power before plugging/unplugging XT30 2+2 interface.
  • Do not overload/overspeed; check wiring and fasteners before startup; avoid humid/high-temperature/dusty environments.
  • Set reasonable program parameters and emergency stop to prevent out-of-control.
  • Strictly follow these rules. Seller is not liable for risks/liabilities from illegal operation or personal mistakes.

Preparation List​

Hardware​

Computer Requirement​

  • Dual-boot personal computer (Windows + Ubuntu / macOS)

Software​

Step 3: Calibration reBot Arm and Getting Started​

We trust you have completed the robotic arm assembly, zero-point initialization, motor ID configuration, and other setup steps by following the video. You are now ready to officially explore the series of tutorials and tools we have released.

  1. Explore our MotorBridge platform, an all-in-one solution supporting an expanding list of motors including Damiao, Robstride, Hightorque, Myactuator, Hexfellow, and more. It is also compatible with continuously updated robotic arms such as reBot. Designed for beginners, we also offer a Python SDK that implements the same functionality for developers.

  2. Experience new features and details of MotorBridge for the reBot robotic arm, including one-click zero-point setting, parameter writing, motor control via UI drag-and-drop, and a built-in model visualization interface.

  3. This tool is fully compatible with Windows, Ubuntu, and Mac operating systems.

Step 1: Install miniforge (on Windows\Ubuntu\Mac\Jetson\Pi)​

wget "https://github.com/conda-forge/miniforge/releases/latest/download/Miniforge3-$(uname)-$(uname -m).sh"
bash Miniforge3-$(uname)-$(uname -m).sh

Step 2: Environment Setup​

Create a virtual environment with Python 3.12:

conda create -y -n rebot python=3.12

Then activate your virtual environment, you have to do this each time you open a shell to use rebot:

conda activate rebot

Step3: Install motorbridge​

tip

Note for macOS users: If you experience low frame rates during teleoperation on macOS, it may be caused by an outdated WCH CH34x driver. For macOS 10.14 and later, the system includes a built-in AppleUSBCHC0M driver. You can uninstall the old driver and switch to the macOS built-in driver, which should effectively improve frame rates.

After activating the reBot virtual environment, run the following command to install motorbridge:

pip install motorbridge

Step4: Connect the rebot​

After connecting the robotic arm to your computer through USB cable and turning on its power supply, you need to configure 666 access permissions for the serial port.

sudo chmod 666 /dev/ttyACM*

Step5: Open the motorbridge​

Open https://motorbridge.github.io/motorbridge-studio/ in your browser, then click the help,Copy the command suitable for your system and driver board, check the IP and port, then press Enter in the terminal.

For example on Windows:

motorbridge-gateway -- --bind 127.0.0.1:9002 --vendor damiao --transport dm-serial --serial-port COM3 --serial-baud 921600 --model 4340P --motor-id 0x01 --feedback-id 0x11 --dt-ms 20

FAQ​

1. Loud abnormal noise occurs immediately after motor startup​

  • This issue usually happens when parameter calibration is accidentally triggered during ID configuration, which overwrites factory preset parameters such as motor inertia. Use DM_Tools_v.1.8.0.1.exe (Windows-only) available at: https://files.seeedstudio.com/wiki/robotics/projects/rebot_arm/DM_Tools_v1.8.0.1.exe Export complete parameters from an intact motor of the same model via the host software, import these parameters into the faulty unit, update its corresponding CAN ID, save the written parameters, then proceed with zero-point calibration.

DM4310 Default Parameters DM4340P Default Parameters

2. All motors share identical CAN IDs​

  • When performing zero-point calibration via DM_Tools_v.1.8.0.1.exe (Windows-only), avoid clicking the Read or Set buttons next to the CAN ID field. The debug interface communicates over the CAN bus; clicking Set will unify the CAN ID for every motor connected on the CANBUS.

For subsequent operation steps, please refer to our tutorial video.​

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