Rotrics DexArm

Q: Can Rotrics DexArm be programmed?

Full SDK. Rotrics Studio (Scratch 3.0), pydexarm Python SDK over serial G-code, Arduino/Raspberry Pi via DIY kit, computer-vision kit with Python API.

Rotrics (Shenzhen, China) Rotrics DexArm (1)

Rotrics (Shenzhen, China) Rotrics DexArm (2)

$799 – $1,049

AvailablePython from a laptopKickstarterLaser / 3D print / plotterMarlin G-codePython SDK

Possibly ≤ 1 weekShipping: 8–13 business days.

Remote control: Connects over USB serial. The official pydexarm Python module wraps Marlin G-code so a laptop script can move it directly.

LEARN MORE (Official page) ↗

Overview

Launched on Kickstarter in January 2019 as the 'Hexbot', it raised over $840K from 1,600+ backers and was rebranded DexArm that November. The company says all backer orders shipped by October 2020. It is a modular multi-tool desktop arm (laser engraver, 3D printer, plotter, gripper) rather than a manipulation research arm. The store still lists it, but public development has slowed, with the last push to Rotrics' Marlin firmware repository in December 2024.

Type: Robot arm · Desktop & hobby arms
Maker: Rotrics (Shenzhen, China)
Released: 2019
Price: $799 – $1,049
Status: Available
Best for: Ages 14+
Programming: Full SDK

Price and shipping

Official store kits are Starter $799 (pen holder only), Maker $899 (adds touchscreen, laser and 3D printing modules) and Luxury $1,049 (adds rotary soft gripper and air picker). The Pneumatic Kit with the gripper is $259 on its own (October 2026).

Shipping: 8–13 business days. Rotrics' policy says orders ship within three business days and take 5–10 business days to the US, with $45 shipping on orders under $1,000 (October 2026). RobotShop lists the Starter Kit as on demand. Rotrics store ↗

Specifications

Category	Robot arms · Desktop & hobby arms
Released	2019
Country	China
Availability	Available
Sales	1,613 Kickstarter backers pledged $846,910 (2019, estimate) Kickstarter ↗
Programmability	Full SDK
Built-in autonomy	Task-level · Carries out multi-step jobs on its own, such as inspections, deliveries or chores
LLM support	Possible via SDK · pydexarm Python SDK over serial G-code, no built-in LLM.
MuJoCo simulation	Maker URDF only · Maker publishes a DexArm URDF, nothing packaged for MuJoCo. URDF-of-DexArm ↗
NVIDIA Isaac simulation	Maker URDF only · Maker publishes a DexArm URDF, nothing packaged for Isaac. URDF-of-DexArm ↗
Gazebo simulation	Maker URDF only · Maker publishes a URDF, a third-party dexarm_gazebo repo also exists. URDF-of-DexArm ↗
Best for	Ages 14+ (estimated)
Vision sensors	Camera
Actuators	Stepper motors
Audio	No audio
Compute type	Arduino / ESP32 / microcontroller
Remote control	Python from a laptop
DOF	3 axes (4 with rotary module)
Reach	380 mm (maker spec for teach and pneumatic use)
Payload	500 g
Repeatability	0.05 mm
Weight	2.4 kg
Controller	On-board controller running Marlin-based open-source firmware
Sensors	Not published
SDK	Rotrics Studio (Scratch 3.0), `pydexarm` Python SDK over serial G-code, Arduino/Raspberry Pi via DIY kit, computer-vision kit with Python API

Common questions

How much does Rotrics DexArm cost?

Rotrics DexArm is listed at $799 – $1,049. Official store kits are Starter $799 (pen holder only), Maker $899 (adds touchscreen, laser and 3D printing modules) and Luxury $1,049 (adds rotary soft gripper and air picker). The Pneumatic Kit with the gripper is $259 on its own (October 2026).

Can Rotrics DexArm be bought today?

Yes, it is on sale. Typical shipping time is 8–13 business days. Rotrics' policy says orders ship within three business days and take 5–10 business days to the US, with $45 shipping on orders under $1,000 (October 2026). RobotShop lists the Starter Kit as on demand.

Who makes Rotrics DexArm?

Rotrics DexArm is made by Rotrics (Shenzhen, China). It came out in 2019.

Can Rotrics DexArm be programmed?

Full SDK. Rotrics Studio (Scratch 3.0), pydexarm Python SDK over serial G-code, Arduino/Raspberry Pi via DIY kit, computer-vision kit with Python API.