Dynamixel AX-12A Actuator

The Dynamixel servomotors

• All-around assembling structure: you can make robots of various forms as using different option frames.
• Powerful feedback : It can read current position of Dynamixel or speed as well as various information such as internal temperature, supply voltage, target position.
• Simple connection structure: Wiring is simple because it is linked by Daisy Chain.
• Alarm function: When internal temperature, torque, supply voltage etc. escaped appointed range, it gives feedback about that situation. Also in such emergency situation, it flash LED or be Torque off.
• Compliance configuration: It can configure the compliance to control the position.
• Torque set up : Torque can be set up by 1023 steps from maximum Torque to free run state.
• Low-electric current/high voltagedrive : Its efficiency is high because it runs by high voltage and it improves stability of robot system that is formed by Dynamixel because current consumption is low.
• Status LED : It has LED that can check state of the Dynamixel.
• Drive by network: Dynamixels have unique ID and are controlled by Packet communication on a bus. It supports network of TTL, RS 485, and CAN etc. according to model.

This video illustrates the capabilities and the existing application for Dynamixel servomotors:

Programming the Dynamixel servomotors

The servomotors have to be linked to a main controller (CM-700, CM-5, CM-510 or CM-530) to be commanded. The progams are made with RoboPlus, which allow really easy programmation, without much previous knowledge.

The most recent main controllers support embedded C and there is a SDK for you to developp your own applications.

The Dynamixel AX-12A actuator

The AX-12A in the entry-level actuator of Dynamixel. Its low cost makes it very useful for every part of your robots that do not require high precision and power.

Technical specifications of the Dynamixel AX-12A actuator

• Weight : 54.6g (AX-12A)
• Dimension : 32mm * 50mm * 40mm
• Resolution : 0.29°
• Gear Reduction Ratio : 254 : 1
• Stall Torque : 1.52N.m (at 12.0V, 1.5A)
• No load speed : 59rpm (at 12V)
• Running Degree
  • 0° ~ 300°
  • Endless Turn
• Running Temperature : -5℃ ~ +70℃
• Voltage : 9 ~ 12V (Recommended Voltage 11.1V)
• Command Signal : Digital Packet
• Protocol Type : Half duplex Asynchronous Serial Communication (8bit,1stop,No Parity)
• Link (Physical) : TTL Level Multi Drop (daisy chain type Connector)
• ID : 254 ID (0~253)
• Communication Speed : 7343bps ~ 1 Mbps
• Feedback : Position, Temperature, Load, Input Voltage, etc.
• Material : Engineering Plastic

Technical documentation of the Dynamixel AX-12A actuator

Comparing the various Dynamixel actuators

This document offers an overview on the characteristics of all the Dynamixel servomotors.

The chart below compare the Dynamixel actuators on their performance. Servomotors are differentiated by communication type (and the MX range proposes both protocols).

• Schematics (en)
• Software (en)
• Compatibility guide (en)
• Selection guide (en)
• Dynamixel SDK (en)