Open Source RoboticsRobots, software & field notes

Poppy Ergo

Based on published sources · Not tested by us ·

Overview

A six-axis research arm using Dynamixel MX-28 motors and Python control. [S001]

Poppy Ergo is the six-motor MX-28 research arm, not another name for Ergo Jr. Its README explicitly distinguishes the smaller educational sibling, which uses XL-320 motors. That difference affects the actuator order and control setup before any parts are printed. [S001]

The documented physical route uses USB2Dynamixel or USB2AX with pypot and poppy-creature. The README also describes a Python package and optional V-REP simulation. Those references establish a historical setup route, not a tested current Python or simulator compatibility matrix. [S001]

The source tree includes hardware and software directories. Its declared hardware license is CC BY-SA 4.0 and software license is GPL v3; use of the Poppy name is separately restricted. Preserve the repository snapshot and identify dependency versions before adapting the design or planning a kit. [S001] [S002] [S004]

A complete MX-28 arm budget, current adapter availability and a reproducible calibration procedure have not been established in this review. We have not assembled or run this configuration.

Specifications

DetailDescription
TypeSix-axis articulated arm
Editorial form classification from the inspected upstream overview.
Editorial assessment [S001] · Checked 2026-09-30
Intended usersResearch teams maintaining a Poppy Ergo; Makers familiar with Dynamixel and Python
Editorial assessment [S001] · Checked 2026-09-30
AssemblyNot known
CalibrationNot known
Operating systemNot known
Computer neededNot known

Cost

No current, complete configuration-specific build cost has been established for this profile.

Source files and licenses

Available project sources support research coverage; complete build and commercial qualification remain separate.

LayerAvailability / license
mechanical designavailable · CC-BY-SA-4.0
Hardware license declaration; do not substitute Ergo Jr's parts or license scope. [S001] [S004]
electronicsnot found · License not fully assessed
No complete artifact for this layer established in the inspected primary repository overview and archive inventory. External component/dependency sources require separate collection; this is not a claim of closed source. [S001] [S004]
firmwarenot found · License not fully assessed
No complete artifact for this layer established in the inspected primary repository overview and archive inventory. External component/dependency sources require separate collection; this is not a claim of closed source. [S001] [S004]
softwareavailable · GPL-3.0
Software license declaration; dependencies have separate terms. [S001] [S004]
documentationavailable · License not fully assessed
Documentation available; reuse terms for external media not established. [S001] [S004]

This profile covers the described physical configuration and control route without a particular learned policy or dataset.

References

Links identify the documentation and revisions used in this profile. Access dates record when each source was retrieved.

  1. S001 · poppy-project / project contributors
    Upstream project overview
    Accessed 2026-09-30 · README.md
    Source notes

    Source text inspected for the cited scoped claims; see profile claim notes.

  2. S002 · poppy-project / project contributors
    Repository revision and release metadata
    Accessed 2026-09-30 · cbc06011bfa9d677b958dee7699716aa64d80bfc
    Source notes

    Source text inspected for the cited scoped claims; see profile claim notes.

  3. S004 · poppy-project / project contributors
    Pinned repository artifact inventory
    Accessed 2026-09-30 · cbc06011bfa9d677b958dee7699716aa64d80bfc archive file inventory
    Source notes

    Source text inspected for the cited scoped claims; see profile claim notes.

Research and review details

Source research only; no installation, physical build or performance test performed. No affiliate links added.

Profile edited 2026-09-30 · Sources checked 2026-09-30 · Next review target 2026-10-30

Combined hardware and software repository revision: cbc06011bfa9 · Activity recorded 2016-05-03 [S002]

Correction guidance · Discussion is not enabled · Profile format 0.5.0-draft.1

Change history

September 29, 2026 — First research profile published.