Learning Path · Beginner · Hardware Required

OpenArm 101: From Unboxing to Your First Trained Policy

A structured, sequential path that takes you from zero to running a real imitation learning policy on your OpenArm. No robotics experience required — only Linux basics and Python.

Total Time ~12 hours
Difficulty Beginner-friendly
Hardware OpenArm 101 + USB-C cable
Prerequisites Linux basics, Python basics
Simulation Option Yes — sim setup guide
You Will Build A pick-and-place demo with a trained policy

Before You Start — Check These Prerequisites

  • Comfortable with a Linux terminal (cd, ls, pip install)
  • Python 3.10 or higher installed
  • Access to an OpenArm 101 or a simulation environment
  • A machine running Ubuntu 22.04 or 24.04 (VM is fine)
  • About 12 hours of total time across multiple sessions

Not sure if you qualify? Start with Unit 0 — it exists specifically to answer this question.

Your Path at a Glance

Complete the units in order. Each unit has a clear completion check — don't move on until you pass it.

0

Before You Begin: What You Need Required

Hardware checklist, software checklist, time estimates, and where to get help. No technical content — just orientation.

~20 min · No code
1

Get Your OpenArm Moving Required

Unbox, connect, install SocketCAN and ROS 2, calibrate, and move the arm for the first time via the web UI.

~2 hours
2

Install the SDK and Connect Required

Install the OpenArm Python SDK, run a live connection test, and fix the three most common errors.

~1.5 hours
3

Control the Arm with Your Hands Required

Understand what teleoperation is and why it creates training data. Set up a session and teleoperate for 5 continuous minutes.

~2 hours
4

Record Your First Dataset Required

Learn why data quality matters more than quantity. Record 50 clean pick-and-place demonstrations in LeRobot format.

~2 hours
5

Train Your First Policy Required

Train an ACT policy on your dataset. Understand the training curves and know when to stop. Target: >70% success rate.

~3 hours
6

Deploy and Improve Required

Run your policy on the real arm, evaluate it systematically, and start the data flywheel. Target: 7/10 autonomous success rate.

~1.5 hours

Time Breakdown

Unit Topic Time
Unit 0Orientation~20 min
Unit 1Hardware Setup~2 h
Unit 2SDK & Connection~1.5 h
Unit 3First Teleoperation~2 h
Unit 4Data Collection~2 h
Unit 5Policy Training~3 h
Unit 6Deploy & Improve~1.5 h
Total ~12 h 20 min
Start Unit 0 — Orientation →

Takes about 20 minutes. No technical content — just makes sure you have everything before the path begins.