The AR4 community has been sharing a variety of 6-axis robot arm projects from their workshops, classrooms, and labs.

This video highlights some of those builds and shows where you can post your own project to share with the community.

Post your build here: https://anninrobotics.com/user-builds/

Hi everyone, for those building an AR4 without a 3D printer, you can now purchase all the printed parts directly from my partner, CI Printing. This includes clear covers as well.

I’ve set this up as a direct service with no markup from me, just to give you the option.

Link to the pre-printed parts are here at the bottom of page: https://anninrobotics.com/robot-kits/

Software V6.2 for the AR4 6-axis robot is now live.

This release introduces Xbox controller integration for intuitive jogging and teaching, a redesigned dark/light theme UI, and advanced Tool Z jogging for precise tool control.

Download the updates here:
https://anninrobotics.com/downloads/

Hello everyone,

I’m excited to announce the release of software version 6.1. This update includes several important improvements to robot performance and calibration:

• Enhanced acceleration and deceleration curves – Motion profiles are now smoother and more refined for improved robot control.
• Updated motor driver microstep settings – These changes not only complement the new accel/decel curves but also improve overall motion smoothness.
• Driver DIP switch update required – When upgrading to version 6.1, please update your motor driver DIP switch settings. Refer to the latest robot build manual (version 1.6), page 230 for the new settings. For users running earlier software versions, the previous DIP settings are still included on page 231 for reference.
• Improved calibration routine – Includes updated debounce logic to reduce calibration errors and prevent “calibration failure” messages.

Please download the updated manual and review the changes before installing the new version. As always, if you encounter any bugs or issues, let me know and I’ll work quickly to resolve them.

Thanks for your continued support, and I hope you enjoy the improvements in version 6.1!

Download Here

EDI Latvia recently celebrated their 65th anniversary, and in their showcase video, they revealed their MobMan system powered by our the AR4 robotic arm. While we’ve always known the AR4 shines in classrooms worldwide, seeing it drive these kind of applications is exciting.

We’d love to hear how you’re using your AR4. Teaching a robotics class? Working on an innovative project? Just getting started? Share in the community

The AR4 6 DIY axis robot arm is an Arduino-based controller with a Python interface, offering 6 degrees of freedom (6DOF). It is widely used in educational STEM programs, industrial tasks, business startups, filming and videography applications, as well as by hobbyists and robot enthusiasts. The latest version, AR4 v6.0, introduces exciting new features, including Virtual Robot Control, which allows users to mirror movements between a 3D simulation and the real robot. It also supports Real-Time Simulation for programming and debugging without physical hardware, STL Model Import to add custom workpieces or fixtures, Robot Color Customization for personalizing the virtual AR4, and Enhanced I/O & Modbus Support for better integration with PLCs and industrial systems.

For those interested in building their own AR4 robot, all necessary files—including 3D print files, source code, manuals, and build kits—are available for download at Annin Robotics. This versatile robot is perfect for makers, schools, and small businesses, and is already being used in robotics classes at universities worldwide.

In the United States, institutions such as San José State University (SJSU) in California, Auburn University in Alabama, Texas A&M University, New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Mississippi State University, Boise State University in Idaho, University of Dayton in Ohio, Renton Technical College in Washington, and Skagit Valley College in Washington have incorporated the AR4 into their programs.

Internationally, the AR4 is being used at the University of Twente in the Netherlands, Politechnika Gdańska in Poland, Linköpings Universitet in Sweden, Universität Heidelberg in Germany, and Bách Khoa University in Vietnam. Additionally, high schools like Cardinal Gibbons High School in North Carolina and various Career Technical Education (CTE) programs across the U.S. are utilizing the AR4 for robotics education.

Whether for learning, prototyping, or professional applications, the AR4 provides an accessible and powerful platform for robotics innovation.