Waveshare Robotic Arm Kit 5+1 DOF LeRobot vs LewanSoul xArm1S Desktop Robotic Arm
Specifications
| Spec | Waveshare Robotic Arm Kit 5+1… | LewanSoul xArm1S Desktop Robo… |
|---|---|---|
| DOF | 5+1 (with gripper) | 5 |
| Servos | ST3235 all-metal bus servos | LX-15D bus servos with position feedback |
| Controller | ESP32 | — |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, USB | — |
| Compatible Frameworks | LeRobot (Hugging Face), ROS2 | — |
| Power | 12V DC | 12V DC adapter |
| Communication | — | USB serial |
| Software | — | Python SDK, LewanSoul app |
| Payload | — | ~100g |
| Price | $289 | $199 |
| Rating | ⭐ 4.5 | ⭐ 4.4 |
| Reviews | 95 | 380 |
Waveshare Robotic Arm Kit 5+1 DOF …
Pros
- ✓LeRobot-compatible out of the box — run Hugging Face imitation learning immediately
- ✓All-metal ST3235 servos with position feedback (rare at this price)
- ✓ESP32 enables wireless control without a tethered computer
- ✓5+1 DOF gives enough workspace for most tabletop manipulation tasks
Cons
- ✗Only 95 reviews — less community troubleshooting content than established brands
- ✗LeRobot integration requires Python setup and some CLI familiarity
- ✗No gripper included — must purchase separately
LewanSoul xArm1S Desktop Robotic Arm
Pros
- ✓Bus servos with real position feedback — most cheap arms use dumb servos with no feedback
- ✓Python SDK included for programmatic control
- ✓DIY assembly teaches servo mechanics and kinematics hands-on
- ✓Compact desktop footprint, fits on any workbench
Cons
- ✗Unassembled kit — assembly takes 2–3 hours and requires patience
- ✗Only 5-DOF, limiting workspace compared to 6-DOF arms
- ✗Community resources are smaller than Elephant Robotics or Waveshare
Verdict
- $ LewanSoul xArm1S Desktop Robotic Arm saves $90 — better for budget-conscious buyers.
- ⭐ Waveshare Robotic Arm Kit 5+1 DOF LeRobot is rated higher (0.1 stars difference).
- ✦ LewanSoul xArm1S Desktop Robotic Arm delivers the best rating-per-dollar.