Advancing Tactile Robotics with DOBOT MG400 and CR3 at Bristol Robotics Laboratory

As the UK's largest multidisciplinary robotics research center, Bristol Robotics Laboratory (BRL) leads the way in developing intelligent systems that shape the future of technology. Within this innovative environment, DOBOT robotic arms play a critical role in advancing both educational and industrial robotics research.

A major advantage of using DOBOT robots at BRL is their unified software architecture. With an open, Python-based API, these robots offer unmatched customization and integration, making them ideal for rapid prototyping in AI and robotics research. a senior research associate who leads a Braille reading project using DOBOT robotic arms and neuromorphic cameras, highlights, “The advantage is that DOBOT robots can be controlled directly with a Python API, eliminating the need for ROS and making them accessible to researchers without extensive robotics backgrounds.” Among them, MG400—DOBOT’s compact industrial robotic arm—is widely used in sectors like consumer electronics and light manufacturing. At BRL, it is also employed to simulate industrial automation scenarios in research, bridging lab experiments with real-world applications.

Ao Li, a PhD student at BRL, adds, “DOBOT robots are easy to use and deploy, supporting both Windows and Linux, which is crucial for diverse research environments. They also offer high precision and flexibility for specialized tasks, and are relatively affordable, making them popular among my colleagues.”

Bristol Robotics Laboratory is shaping the future of robotics, where cutting-edge technologies like DOBOT Robotic arms connect research to real-world impact. By equipping students with hands-on skills and fostering innovation, BRL is preparing the next generation of engineers and pioneers to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.