DYNAMIXEL Actuators

Advanced Topic Skip if you’re new, explore when you’re ready.

Big idea

DYNAMIXEL is a line of smart actuators from ROBOTIS, and Bottango can control them via the U2D2 controller.

DYNAMIXEL is a line of smart actuators developed by ROBOTIS that are a common choice in robots and animatronics. They offer a lot of advantages over traditional hobby servo motors, including closed loop control, daisy-chain ability, and a wide variety of available data and powerful features. You can find out more here: dynamixel.com. Bottango is compatible with controlling DYNAMIXEL actuators using the ROBOTIS U2D2 controller.

Bottango supports animating DYNAMIXEL actuators in much the same way you would animate a servo or a stepper in Bottango. In this section we’ll go over setting up and using DYNAMIXEL actuators in Bottango.

Though Bottango can control DYNAMIXEL actuators, Bottango is not intended to replace the ROBOTIS DYNAMIXEL Wizard software. You should still use DYNAMIXEL and ROBOTIS software to set up and configure your DYNAMIXEL actuator to meet your application’s needs.

Note

Note: I am unable to hands-on test Bottango’s compatibility with every entry in the entire line of DYNAMIXEL actuators. To my understanding, Bottango should work well with DYNAMIXEL actuators in the (A/M)X, and X(L/M/C/H/D/W) line using the U2D2 control hardware. Some limited testing on P series DYNAMIXEL actuators shows working support as well. If in your workflow you find unusual behavior with a specific model, be sure to reach out to Bottango support or ask for help in the Bottango Discord. I’d be happy to help troubleshoot as best I can.

Note

Bottango is not a ROBOTIS product and DYNAMIXEL actuators are not created by Bottango. Depending on your issue, you may need to reach out to ROBOTIS for support.

Note

Exporting animations to standalone playback without a connected computer is not currently supported with DYNAMIXEL actuators, but that functionality is planned.