OWI USB Interface for Robotic Arm

by OWI

Product Features

• Using your computer and the included USB cable and interface software command the Robotic Arm Edge with multiple movements and functions
• Excellent introduction to robotics programming
• Add as part of your home-school curriculum
• Robotic Arm not included
• OWI is the premier line of educational robotics kits

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 1.8 x 7.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0028MBWS2
• Item model number: OWI-535-USB
• Manufacturer recommended age: 10 - 15 years
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #21,257 in Toys & Games (See Top 100 in Toys & Games)
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Add OWI USB Interface for Robotic Arm Edge and have real time manual control of the robotic arm and program the arm to perform a sequence of movements. Command the robotic arm gripper to open and close, radial wrist motion of 120°, an extensive elbow elbow of 300°, base rotation of 270°, base motion of 180°, vertical reach of 15 inches, horiontal reach of 12.6 inches and lifting capacity of 100g. Some of the added features include a search light design on the gripper and an audible safety gear indicator is included on all 5 gear boxes to prevent potential injury or gear breakage during operation. Total command and visula manipulation using the "5's", five-switch wired controller, 5 motors, 5 gear boxes, and 5 joints. For ages 10 and up. ROBOTIC ARM NOT INCLUDED.

Product Description

For use with our Robotic Arm (Item #45203), this optional USB Interface Kit for Robotic Arm allows you to program the Robotic Arm from your PC, using a built-in interactive script writer for real-time interactive control. Program the arm to perform a sequence of movements, just like an actual robot on an assembly line. The USB Interface Kit comes complete with a CD, printed circuit board, USB cable and accessories, and a detailed instruction manual. HARDWARE and SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: OS: Windows XP Service Pack 1,2,3/Vista. CPU: Pentium3, 1.0GHz or higher. Memory: 256MB or higher. Hardware Disk Space: 100MB or more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Nice toy, it could've been more sophisticated, May 18, 2010

By 

e2e4 "e2e4" (IL, USA) - See all my reviews

= Durability:3.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:3.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:4.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: OWI USB Interface for Robotic Arm (Toy)

Along with the robotic arm this is a nice toy.Everything works but it's impossible to make anything useful with this arm.You can only teach your kid basics about robotics. For a toy is kind of expensive.I couldn't make a complete cycle using the super basic programing module..the reason being the fact that the computer sends on/off signals to the motors but it doesn't "remember" the initial position, plus there are imperfections in the gears (like loose gears) and when you repeat a move it accentuates the error.
You can program it, alright, but since the function is time based not initial/final position you can't get the same move second or third time.
I kind of repeated my self. I hope you get what I'm saying.
However, you can connect different devices through this interface if you are creative.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not what I was expecting, November 8, 2010

By 

Santiago Laverde "cslartisans" (Katy, TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Durability:2.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:2.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: OWI USB Interface for Robotic Arm (Toy)

The software is so basic
Dont like the way to manage the coordinates
There is no way to reset or create an Absolute Zero

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Satified, September 23, 2011

By 

My Review - See all my reviews

= Durability:4.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:4.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:3.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: OWI USB Interface for Robotic Arm (Toy)

The usb interface worked as described. The software that came with it supports WinXP and Windows 7.
What was nice that the board replace the existing motor control board with a new yellow cover. There is another board out there that is twice the cost and that board hangs outside of the arm.

The software is very limited and it would be nice if there was more capability to program against it.