ST Robotics R12 5-Axis Articulated Robot Arm
Description
- 5-axis articulated robot arm w/ 500mm reach
- Easy mounting of tools, grippers, sensors etc
- Fully enclosed; pneumatics and wiring go through the arm
- Gripper sold separately (see options)
- Many options available
The ST Robotics R12 5-Axis Articulated Robot Arm is a self-contained five (optional six) axis vertically articulated robot arm system designed as a cost effective solution for bench top automation. aPossible pplications include testing, sample handling, machine feeding, etc... The hand ends with a mounting plate to which can be mounted one of the low cost grippers below (gripper sold separately), vacuum pickups or your own device.
The ST Robotics R12 5-Axis Articulated Robot Arm is a very low cost entry to robotics, fast, accurate and reliable and easy to program yet capable of the most complex tasks. It has a useful 500mm reach. Like the ST Robotics R17 5-Axis Articulated Robot Arm , it is a 5 axis articulated robot arm but with a 500mm reach. It is lighter, faster and quieter, using high efficiency digital motors driving through steel reinforced polyurethane timing belts. Optional incremental optical encoders provide exceptional integrity as well as safety (see below).
The ST Robotics R12 5-Axis Articulated Robot Arm package includes the K11 controller that is simple and reliable using a partnership of CPU and DSP micro-processors and compact micro-stepping drives. ROBOFORTH II embedded software gets you started easily, yet allows the most complex motions, interfaces and peripherals to be programmed, assisted by ROBWIN project manager that brings everything together on one Windows screen.
Features:
- User friendly software, English language commands
- Input/output interfacing
- Non-volatile memory
- Complete with controller, software, on-screen manuals, cables, etc. Ready to go
- Optional pneumatic or electric grippers, vacuum pickup, tool changers.
- Supplied ready to run -- robot, controller, all cables, Windows GUI project manager, teach pad
- On-screen manuals
- Optional linear track, I/O expansion, bluetooth teachpad, TCP/IP
Options (sold separately, contact us for a quote)
Encoders
Without encoders the R12 will run accurately and indefinitely open loop without error thanks to micro-stepping drives and accurate transmission. But if the robot suffers a collision then the controller does not know and carries on with the program even though the robot could be out of position. Such collisions usually only occur accidentally during programming and rarely during normal running. It is necessary to run the calibrate routine after such a collision. With the encoder option the controller notices the discrepancy immediately, stops the robot and announces an error.
If the encoder option is not fitted, a software solution is provided in the form of a quick calibration check that can be included in every robot cycle or n cycles. If there is an error it is reported and the system stops.
As standard the robots have a mounting flange (see diagrams below). End effectors currently include: electric gripper, SMC 10mm pneumatic gripper, vacuum pickups.
Note: pneumatic gripper is shown with special fingers made for a particular application, not part of the option. Fingers to suit the clients product may be made by the client or ST.


Up to 3m length, using a powerful motor and two recirculating crossed roller bearings. High resolution or high speed options. See video
Includes 2 R12 robots on a programmable carousel. Two robot controllers are interlinked to synchronize the two robots. The maximum number of axes in total is 13. Video available here

PDF File
- Drives: High power micro-stepped hybrid stepping motors, optional encoder watchdogs
- Reach: 500 mm / 20 ins in any direction; 360 degree waist rotation
- Repeatability: 0.1 mm (see note)
- Payload: nominal 500g, max 1 kg (22 lbs) at flange (repeatability and speed degrade with increasing payload and reach)
- Compliance: droop at 250 mm at nominal payload - 0.4 mm
- Droop at max reach with max payload: 2.3 mm
- Maximum speed: Waist 220 deg/sec, Shoulder 200 deg/sec, Elbow 500deg/sec, hand 600deg/sec, wrist roll 600 deg/sec Max linear speed approx 800mm/s Standard Cycle 2s
- Max torque for pitch or roll: 1 Nm (repeatability figures degrade with increasing torque)
- Weight: Robot 12.8 kg/28lbs Controller 11kg/25lbs
- Power: 110/240 V ac 420 VA (standard controller)
- Environment: IP 54A, 0 - 40 C (wider range optional)
- MTBF: 15,000 hours (typically over a million cycles)
- Safety: Class 2 stop circuit, stall detect, risk assessment guide, Optional high intensity red LEDs along the arm serve as awareness barrier
- Noise: Approx 40-50 dB at 1 m
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Refund Policy
If you are not satisfied with a product purchased from the Site, you may request a return within 30 days from the delivery date, unless the product is listed under the Return Exceptions below or is subject to specific return conditions noted on the product page.
This return policy also applies, as a minimum standard, to products sold and fulfilled by third-party vendors through the Marketplace.
Please review the Return Conditions, Return Exceptions and the process on How to Request a Return Authorisation (RA) before initiating a return request.
United Kingdom consumers exercising their statutory Right of Cancellation are subject to different conditions. See the Statutory Right of Cancellation.
Returns under this policy concern non-defective products. In the case of a confirmed manufacturing defect, remedies are handled under the Warranty terms, at the Vendor's discretion. See the Warranty section.
Return Conditions
To qualify for a refund under the 30-day return policy, all of the following conditions must be met:
- A valid Return Authorisation (RA) number must be obtained prior to returning the product. Returns without an RA number will be refused.
- The RA number is valid for 30 days. The returned item must be received within that period.
- The RA number must be included with the return.
- Products must be returned in unused, unmodified condition (e.g., no scratches, alterations, missing parts, or signs of installation/use) and in their original packaging, suitable for resale.
- Shipping fees are non-refundable. Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer, except in cases of a product confirmed defective through RobotShop's troubleshooting process or of a verified shipping error by RobotShop.
- Refunds are processed within 7 days after receipt and inspection of the returned item.
- A £100 cleaning fee may apply to domestic robots returned in used or unclean condition.
- A 20% restocking fee may apply to large-quantity returns of items ordered specifically for the customer from the manufacturer or not part of RobotShop's standard inventory.
Return Exceptions
The following products are not eligible for return or refund under this policy:
- Used, damaged, or modified products — Items that show signs of use, wear, or alteration, making them unsuitable for resale.
- Consumables * — Use and wear-and-tear components, altered or depleted through use (e.g., batteries, belts, brushes, gears, filament, tyres, disposable bags, lubricants, greases, waxes, etc.). Not eligible for return once opened or used.
- Perishables — Goods liable to deteriorate or expire rapidly. Not eligible for return.
- Sealed goods (health or hygiene) — Items sealed for health-protection or hygiene reasons (e.g., masks, gloves, odour-absorbing products). Not eligible for return once unsealed.
- Build-it-yourself products and items requiring customer assembly * — Including robots & kits, robot parts, and other products requiring assembly or soldering. Not eligible for return once assembled, soldered, or installed.
- Digital Goods, Software, and Apps * — Final sale only, due to licensing restrictions.
- Clearance Items * — Products identified as clearance or final sale, including end-of-life or discontinued items.
- Custom-made, personalized, or special-order items — Products manufactured, configured, adapted, or built to the customer's own specifications and requirements.
- On-Demand Items * — Standard catalogue products not stocked by RobotShop and ordered specifically to fulfil a customer request.
- Professional & Specialized Equipment — See the Professional & Specialized Equipment Warranty page and Professional & Institutional Buyers (B2B) section in the Terms & Conditions.
* United-Kingdom consumers retain their statutory Right of Cancellation on these items. Its exercise is subject to the conditions and exclusions set out in the Statutory Right of Cancellation, and any reimbursement may be reduced to reflect a loss in value resulting from handling beyond inspection.
How to Request a Return Authorisation (RA)
While the same return policy applies, these orders require a separate contact process for returns.
- RobotShop Fulfilled Orders → submit a support ticket from your account under My Support Tickets.
- Marketplace Vendor Orders → submit a ticket from your account under My Marketplace Tickets to contact the vendor directly.
Note: Marketplace vendor products are normally labelled with SKUs starting with RM, and identified on the product page with the mention "Sold and fulfilled by [Vendor Name]".




