Buttercup STEAM Camp 2025

xArm AI Robotic Arm Assembly - Mission #1

✨ Mission #1: Build Your Robot Brain and Senses

Welcome, Engineer! Your mission is to bring your xArm AI robotic arm to life by connecting its brain (CoreX), sensors (eyes, ears, and voice!), and main control modules. Let's get building!

✍️ What You'll Do Today (Day 1)

Partially assemble your robotic arm by installing the bracket

Mount the CoreX controller and sensors (one at a time)

Double-check your wiring and organize your toolbox

Estimated time: 1.5 hours

□ Materials You'll Need

xArm AI Robotic Arm Base (pre-built with black base and rotating blue platform)

Arm bracket (already attached to black base)

CoreX controller module

USB cable (from kit)

Ultrasonic Sensor

WonderCam AI Vision Camera

Wonder Echo Voice Module

Color Sensor

Dot Matrix Display

Screws and screwdrivers

4-pin wires: Small (qty 3), Medium (qty 1), Large (qty 1)

□ Toolbox Cubes

Cube 1
M4×8 machine screws (Qty: 4)
CoreX controller

Cube 2
Black nylon standoffs with screw ends (Qty: 4)
CoreX controller

Cube 3
M3×6 machine screws (Qty: 4)
Left side of arm bracket

Cube 4
M2×6 tapping screws (Qty: 4)
Right side of arm bracket

Cube 5
M4×8 machine screws (Qty: 4)
Ultrasonic sensor

Cube 6
M4 nuts (Qty: 4)
Ultrasonic sensor

Cube 7
M2×6 machine screws (Qty: 4)
General/sensor attachments

Cube 8
M4×15 black nylon standoffs flat (Qty: 6)
Sensor mounts

Cube 9
M4×6 machine screws (Qty: 12)
Sensor and standoff use

Cube 10
Extra spare screws (various)
Backup

✅ Step-by-Step Assembly Instructions

1. Mount the CoreX Controller

Place CoreX on rear of base.

Use 4 M4×8 screws and 4 black nylon standoffs.

Ensure ports face outward and everything is aligned before tightening.

Connect a small 4-pin wire from ESP to Port #7 on CoreX.

2. Attach the Main Arm Bracket

Use 4 M3×6 screws on left, 4 M2×6 tapping screws on right.

Align with rotating base holes and tighten.

3. Install the Ultrasonic Sensor

Mount front-right. Use M4×8 screws and M4 nuts. Plug into Port #4.

4. Mount the Dot Matrix Display

Upper panel. Use M2×6 screws. Plug into Port #6.

5. Install Wonder Echo

Right side. M2×6 screws. Port #5 with medium 4-pin wire.

6. Attach Color Sensor

Lower front panel. M2×6 screws. Port #1.

7. Mount WonderCam

Top arm. M4×8 screws & nuts. Port #9 with large 4-pin wire.

8. Final Wiring Check

Port #1 – Color Sensor
Port #4 – Ultrasonic Sensor
Port #5 – Wonder Echo
Port #6 – Dot Matrix
Port #7 – CoreX
Port #9 – WonderCam

□ You Did It!

If everything lights up and responds, you're cleared for Mission #2 tomorrow!

□ Instructor Notes

Remind campers not to overtighten screws

Check wire direction before plugging in

Support campers with cable routing

✨ Get Ready for Mission #2

Coming up: Learn to program your robot with voice commands, vision tracking, and color sensing!