Configure a UR5e Arm

Configure a ur5e arm to add a Universal Robots UR5e to your machine.

If you want to test your arm as you configure it, connect it to your machine’s computer and turn it on. Then, configure the arm:

Navigate to the CONFIGURE tab of your machine’s page in the Viam app. Click the + icon next to your machine part in the left-hand menu and select Component. Select the arm type, then select the ur5e model. Enter a name or use the suggested name for your arm and click Create.

Web UI configuration panel for an arm of model ur5e in the Viam app, with Attributes & Depends On dropdowns and the option to add a frame.

Edit and fill in the attributes as applicable.

{
  "components": [
    {
      "name": "<your-arm-name>",
      "model": "ur5e",
      "type": "arm",
      "namespace": "rdk",
      "attributes": {
        "speed_degs_per_sec": <float>,
        "host": "<your-host-address>"
      },
      "depends_on": []
    }
  ]
}

{
  "components": [
    {
      "name": "my-arm",
      "model": "ur5e",
      "type": "arm",
      "namespace": "rdk",
      "attributes": {
        "speed_degs_per_sec": 30,
        "host": "10.1.10.82"
      },
      "depends_on": []
    }
  ]
}

The following attributes are available for ur5e arms:

AttributeTypeRequired?Description
speed_degs_per_secfloatRequiredDesired maximum speed of joint movement in degrees per second. Must be between 3 and 180.
hoststringRequiredThe IP address of the arm’s system on your network. Find this when setting up your UR5e.

Test the arm

Once your arm is configured and connected, open the arm’s TEST panel on the CONFIGURE or CONTROL tabs.

Use the buttons to move the end position or the joints and check whether it moves as expected.

Arm test panel.

If the arm does not appear on the TEST panel, or if you notice unexpected behavior, check your machine’s LOGS tab for errors, and review the configuration.

Troubleshooting

If your arm is not working as expected, follow these steps:

  1. Check your machine logs on the LOGS tab to check for errors.
  2. Review this model’s documentation to ensure you have configured all required attributes.
  3. Click on the TEST panel on the CONFIGURE or CONTROL tab and test if you can use the arm there.

If none of these steps work, reach out to us on the Community Discord and we will be happy to help.

Next steps

For more configuration and usage info, see:

Arm API

Give commands to your arm components for linear motion planning, including self-collision prevention and obstacle avoidance.

Configure a machine

Create a machine in a few steps using Viam's modular system of components and services without writing much or any code.

Move a robot arm

Connect to a robotic arm and control it with the arm API.

Have questions, or want to meet other people working on robots? Join our Community Discord.

If you notice any issues with the documentation, feel free to file an issue or edit this file.