Configure an arm

Configure an arm component to use your robotic arm with Viam.

Prerequisites

A running machine connected to Viam.
Add a new machine on Viam. On the machine’s page, follow the setup instructions to install viam-server on the computer you’re using for your project. Wait until your machine has successfully connected to Viam.
Set up your arm hardware.

  1. Mount your arm to a stable structure.

  2. Ensure there is enough space for the arm to move without hitting obstacles, people, or pets.

  3. Ensure the arm is connected to power, and to the computer running viam-server.

Configure the arm

  1. Navigate to your machine’s page.

  2. Select the CONFIGURE tab.

  3. Click the + icon next to your machine part in the left-hand menu and select Component or service.

  4. Select the arm type, then search for and select the model compatible with your arm hardware. For example, if you have a UFactory xArm 6, select the xArm6 model.

  5. Enter a name or use the suggested name for your arm and click Create.

  6. Fill in the arm’s configuration fields based on the model-specific documentation that appears in the right side of the configuration card. For example, an xArm6 requires a host attribute:

    {
  "host": "192.168.1.100"
}

  7. You will need a reference frame to use your arm with the motion planning service. Continue to Configure your frame system.

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Motion basics

Next

Configure your frame system