FAQ & Where to Buy OpenArm
Answers to frequently asked questions about OpenArm, plus a complete list of certified and community manufacturers worldwide with pricing and lead times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a mobile base for OpenArm?
The OpenArm project does not currently have any short-term plans for a mobile base. However, users are encouraged to integrate OpenArm with third-party mobile base projects via the community on GitHub and Discord.
The motor is not working — what should I do?
Refer to the troubleshooting section in the Software Setup Guide for motor ID resolution steps. Common issues include: incorrect CAN IDs, insufficient power supply current, missing 120 Ω CAN termination resistor, or incorrect baud rate settings.
Do you have any recommended CAN devices?
Please use the devices listed in the Hardware > Electrical Components (Bill of Materials section). Using alternative CAN devices may cause unexpected behavior or communication errors. The recommended devices include: a 24 V / 15 A power supply, USB to CANFD converter, and emergency stop switch.
How accurate and repeatable is OpenArm?
Official accuracy and repeatability specifications are being prepared. In the meantime, check the GitHub Discussions for community-reported measurements, or ask in the Discord #hardware channel.
How much power does OpenArm consume?
Official power consumption documentation is being prepared. See motor specifications on the Hardware page for per-motor current ratings. The DM-J8009P (J1/J2) draws up to 20 A rated, 50 A peak at 24 V. The 8-joint system on 24 V power supply requires at minimum a 15 A supply for typical operation.
Can I use OpenArm with LeRobot?
Yes. OpenArm is compatible with HuggingFace's LeRobot for imitation learning dataset recording and policy training. Both leader and follower arms can be used with the LeRobot recording pipeline. See the OpenArm 101 Quickstart page for SDK integration details.
What is the difference between the leader and follower configurations?
The leader arm is configured for free-space operation with the operator's input — it typically has no end-effector or a lightweight indicator. The follower arm is configured identically in joint kinematics and performs the mirrored actions. In bilateral control, the follower sends force feedback back to the leader. CAD files for both are provided as OpenArm_v1.1_follower.STEP and OpenArm_v1.1_leader.STEP.
Where can I get support?
Support is available through three channels:
- Discord — Real-time discussions with the community and the team: discord.gg/tpnKxHuJY3
- GitHub Issues — Bug reports and feature requests: github.com/enactic/openarm/issues
- GitHub Discussions — Technical questions: github.com/enactic/openarm/discussions
Where to Buy OpenArm
We're making it easier, more reliable, and more transparent to purchase OpenArm hardware. This section lists all known OpenArm manufacturers worldwide based on the official purchase page.
Official Manufacturing Partners
Official Manufacturing Partners and Certified Manufacturers work closely with the OpenArm team to refine and improve the manufacturing process, ensuring each unit meets high hardware quality standards.
"At WowRobo, we bring commercial-grade reliability and manufacturing standards to open-source robotics. With extensive experience in commercial robot production, we handle the assembly and testing of OpenArm with the same rigor applied to industrial robots. As the official manufacturer of the SO-ARM101, we're proud to have refined our processes even further for OpenArm, achieving an even higher level of precision, reliability, and overall build quality."
All Manufacturers
The list below includes vendors who produce OpenArm hardware but have not yet completed or did not pass the evaluation process. Their quality and compatibility may vary and are not guaranteed to work with official OpenArm software.
| Company | Location | Price (USD) | Lead Time | Shipping | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WowRobo | Shenzhen | $5,000 | 20–40 days | Worldwide | Certified ★★★ |
| RT Corporation | Tokyo | — | — | Japan | Evaluating |
| VLAI Robotics | Shenzhen | $4,699 | 3–12 days | Worldwide | Evaluating |
| Cereboto | Dongguan | $5,000 | 20 days | Worldwide | Evaluating |
| Soma Robotics | Shanghai | $6,430 (¥45,800 CNY) | 14 days | Mainland China | Not evaluated |
| Anvil Robotics | Taipei | $5,800 | 28 days | Worldwide | Not evaluated |
| Chengdu Changshu (PowerZ) | Chengdu | $4,999 | 7–28 days | Worldwide | Not evaluated |
| SVTRobotics | Hangzhou | $5,800 | 5–10 business days | Worldwide | Not evaluated |
| Tianjin Muniu Liuma | Tianjin | $5,166 | — | Worldwide | Not evaluated |
| MJTWO | — | $4,999–$5,399 | — | Worldwide | Not evaluated |
Checklist Before Purchasing
- Compatibility — Verify the unit meets OpenArm hardware and software standards, especially motor types and CAN interface
- Quality — Check for proper quality control; certified manufacturers are preferred
- Shipping — Confirm delivery costs and timelines, especially for international orders
- Returns & Warranty — Verify return, replacement, and warranty policies before payment
- Community Reviews — Read community feedback in the Discord
#📦｜purchasechannel before buying
#📦｜purchase. Community feedback helps maintain consistency and fairness in vendor evaluations.
Manufacturers not listed, or manufacturers wishing to apply for certification, can contact: openarm@enactic.ai
Support Channels
| Channel | Best For | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Discord | Real-time help, build support, community | discord.gg/tpnKxHuJY3 |
| GitHub Issues | Bug reports, feature requests | github.com/enactic/openarm |
| GitHub Discussions | Technical questions, design help | github.com/enactic/openarm |
| Manufacturer inquiries, partnerships | openarm@enactic.ai | |
| X / Twitter | News and updates | @enactic_ai |