Elephant Robotics Educational Workstation Kit – M5 Version
A complete portable educational station for AI, machine vision, and collaborative robotics built on the Elephant Robotics and M5Stack platform. The Workstation combines an M5 version robotic arm (typically mechArm 270 / myCobot 280), an integrated Linux/Ubuntu system, camera, lighting, workspace, and rich educational content into one compact case.
Who is the kit for
- high schools and universities, technical universities
- research and training laboratories
- corporate technical and production training
- robotics clubs, makerspaces, and Fablabs
Thanks to the concept of “theory as a basis + practice as reinforcement”, students get the opportunity to go through a complete educational cycle from basic theory to practical projects in the field of machine vision and robotics.
Main advantages
- All in one case – robotic arm, camera, lighting, workbench with blocks and cards, integrated computer, keyboard, touchpad/joystick.
- Immediate start without complex installation – pre-prepared system with Ubuntu, pre-installed software, and visualization tools.
- ROS1/ROS2 support – an ideal platform for university and research projects.
- Drag‑and‑teach and visual interface – teaching without the need to program from day one, with the possibility of later transition to Python/C++ and ROS.
- Modular and expandable system – compatibility with multiple types of robotic arms and end effectors.
- Standardized curriculum package (approx. 15 weeks) – prepared lessons for semester teaching of machine vision and collaborative robotics.
Key functions and features
1. Portable AI educational station
- robust case with integrated frame for the robotic arm
- removable workboard with marked zones for tasks
- integrated camera system and lighting for stable imaging conditions
2. Support for five main visual algorithms
The set includes colored wooden blocks, shape cards, and QR/AR markers for practical teaching of:
- color recognition (sorting blocks by color)
- shape recognition (circles, squares, triangles, arrows, symbols…)
- feature point detection
- object detection using YOLOv5 (basic principles of a modern deep‑learning detector)
- QR and AR code detection and 2D–3D mapping
3. Compatibility with Elephant Robotics robotic arms
The Workstation is designed for use with M5Stack versions of selected Elephant Robotics collaborative arms:
- myCobot 280 M5
- mechArm 270 M5
- myPalletizer 260 M5
M5 versions of the arms utilize the M5Stack platform and are optimized for education, rapid prototyping, and programming instruction.
Note: The specific arm supplied (e.g., mechArm 270‑M5) depends on the chosen kit variant. The product name “M5 Version” refers to the M5Stack version of the arm.
4. Integrated computer with Ubuntu and ROS
- pre-installed Ubuntu system
- support for ROS1 and ROS2
- prepared launch files for controlling the robotic arm and camera
- sample projects and scripts for machine vision and robot control
5. Visual software and control
- visualization software with a clear GUI
- integrated keyboard, touchpad / mouse, and joystick for direct control
- drag‑and‑teach mode – trajectories are learned by grasping and moving the arm
- possibility of remote access and expansion with custom software
6. Standardized curriculum
The workstation includes methodical support for long-term teaching (approx. 15 weeks):
- gradual coverage of machine vision basics
- image processing, segmentation, feature extraction
- recognition of shape, color, QR/AR codes
- introduction to deep neural networks (YOLOv5)
- integration of vision with a physical robotic arm
Typical use scenarios
- Robotics and Industry 4.0 education – demonstrations of typical tasks from industrial operations on a safe desktop scale.
- AI and machine learning – demonstration of object detection and basic model training.
- Mechatronics and automation – projects combining sensors, motion, cameras, and control algorithms.
- Research and prototyping – fast concept verification without building custom mechanics.
Technical specifications (summary)
Educational workstation
- Product type: portable AI educational workstation with robotic arm
- Integrated system: Ubuntu Linux
- Supported frameworks: ROS1, ROS2
- Included software: control and visualization applications, demonstration examples
- Communication: Ethernet / USB (depending on specific PC and arm configuration)
- Control: keyboard, touchpad / mouse, joystick, drag‑and‑teach
Robotic arm (M5 version – typically mechArm 270 / myCobot 280)
- Number of axes: 6
- Type: desktop collaborative arm
- Control: M5Stack (M5 version), supported in ROS
- Reach: approx. 270–280 mm
- Payload: approx. 250 g
Machine vision
- Work camera: industrial/USB camera (included in the kit)
- Lighting: integrated workspace lighting
- Supported algorithms: recognition of colors, shapes, feature points, YOLOv5, QR/AR codes
Educational accessories
- 4 colors of wooden blocks
- set of shape cards
- set of QR/AR code cards
- modular end effectors (grippers) according to delivery variant
Main benefits for schools and companies
- Fast implementation into teaching – minimum setup, maximum content.
- Safe work with a real robot – small desktop platform suitable for classrooms.
- Practical projects instead of paper theory – students see a direct connection between algorithms and the physical world.
- Wide range of expansion options – open M5Stack and ROS ecosystem, possibility of integrating additional sensors and peripherals.
Recommended publications and extensions
To fully utilize the set's potential, we recommend:
- connecting the workstation with other Elephant Robotics robotic arms in the laboratory
- using ROS packages for advanced trajectory planning and integration of other sensors
- building on existing teaching materials in the areas of AI, robotics, and machine vision
This kit represents a complete gateway to the world of modern industrial automation, AI, and collaborative robotics in one portable solution.
Key features:
- Complete portable educational workstation for AI, machine vision, and collaborative robotics in one case.
- Compatibility with M5 versions of Elephant Robotics robotic arms (myCobot 280, mechArm 270, myPalletizer 260).
- Integrated Ubuntu system with ROS1/ROS2 support for university and research projects.
- Five main visual algorithms including YOLOv5, QR/AR recognition, colors, and shapes.
- Control via drag‑and‑teach and visual interface, suitable even for beginners.
- Standardized educational plan for approx. 15 weeks of machine vision and robotics instruction.
- Integrated camera, lighting, workspace, and controls (keyboard, touchpad/joystick).
