Project Hub /Basic Analog & Power Electronics/Power Supplies & Voltage Regulators/Build an Arduino Robotic Arm with 6 DOF

Intermediate

ARDUINO

Project Specific

1 – 2 Days

Partial Kit

Build an Arduino Robotic Arm with 6 DOF

A comprehensive guide to building a 6 Degrees of Freedom (DOF) robotic arm powered by an Arduino Uno and 3D-printed parts, controlled via servo motors.

Originally published on CircuitDigest

View original tutorial

Parts You'll Need

This project is sourced from another site, not written by us — this list is our best match of their components against what we stock, not a verified bill of materials. Always check the original blog (linked above) for the actual parts list before buying.

Arduino UNO R3 Board (Compatible) – ATmega328P Microcontroller with USB Cable Rs. 999.00
TowerPro SG90 Mini Servo – 180 degree Rotation – Standard Quality Rs. 179.00
MB102 Adjustable Breadboard Power Supply Module (3.3V & 5V) for Arduino & Raspberry Pi Rs. 139.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Male 20cm Rs. 45.00
400 Points Mini Solderless Prototype PCB Breadboard High Quality Rs. 89.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Female 20cm Rs. 45.00

Selected: Rs. 0.00

We don't carry yet: 3D Printed Parts / Filament / Printer
Thyristor / SCR / Triac / Varistor / Fuse
Screws / Nuts / Standoffs / Hardware

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How It Works

The 6 DOF robotic arm is controlled by an Arduino Uno, which coordinates the movement of six distinct servo motors: three heavy-duty MG995 servos and three micro-servo MG90S motors. These servos are mounted into custom 3D-printed structural parts that form the mechanical joints and linkages of the arm, secured together using a set of screws, nuts, and bolts. The Arduino Uno generates Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signals to command each servo to move to specific angular positions, allowing precise articulation across six axes of motion. Because six active servo motors draw significant current—especially under mechanical load—the system relies on an external 5V 2A power supply connected via a breadboard and jumper wires. This external power source ensures the servos receive adequate stable voltage and current independently of the microcontroller's onboard regulator, preventing power drops. Programmed through the Arduino IDE, the microcontroller translates control logic into coordinated multi-axis movements, turning software commands into physical robotic manipulation.

Why Build This

Design and analyze multi-axis kinematic systems applicable to automated pick-and-place manufacturing and laboratory sample handling.

Implement practical power distribution strategies by separating microcontroller logic from high-current inductive loads like servo motors.

Bridge mechanical 3D-printed design with embedded firmware development to create functional undergraduate-level robotic automation.

Real-World Application

Pick-and-place automation, electronic component assembly, laboratory sample handling, hazardous material handling, and educational robotics demonstration.

Skills You'll Learn

PWM signal generation

servo motor control

external power management

multi-axis kinematic coordination

mechanical assembly and fastening

Safety Precautions

Ensure an adequate separate external power supply (5V, 2A) for the servo motors to prevent brownouts, erratic movement, or overheating of the microcontroller.

Technology Tags

ARDUINO

SERVO MOTORS

3D PRINTING

PWM

SERIAL COMMUNICATION

WEB SERIAL API

MECHATRONICS

ROBOTICS

C++

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need a separate external 5V 2A power supply instead of powering the servos through the Arduino Uno?

Servo motors draw a large amount of current when moving or under load, which far exceeds what the Arduino Uno's internal regulator can safely provide. Powering them directly from the board will cause voltage drops, leading to microcontroller resets, brownouts, and erratic movement.

What software is required to program the robotic arm?

You will need the Arduino IDE installed on a computer to write, compile, and upload the control code to the Arduino Uno.

Can I substitute the MG995 and MG90S servo motors with other models?

While alternative servos might fit physically if dimensions match, the code and mechanical linkages are specifically designed around the torque and rotation limits of the MG995 and MG90S models. Changing them may require modifying both the 3D-printed parts and the firmware control logic.

Gallery

This page is part of Kitkraft's Project Hub — a curated collection of electronics & robotics projects gathered from the maker community to help students and hobbyists discover and learn to build. Kitkraft does not claim authorship of the original project, and makes no representation as to the accuracy, completeness or safety of third-party source material. The summary and "How It Works" explanation above are AI-generated, rewritten with reference to the original tutorial — not a reproduction of it. Full credit and a direct link to the original source are provided above. If you're the original creator and have a concern about how your work is represented here, please contact us and we'll address it promptly.

Kitkraft Project Hub — curated from the maker community, credited at the source.

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