---
title: External Devices
description: "The [onboarding wizard](/docs/getting-started-first-time-setup/)'s **External Devices** step is where you add accessories that SmoothTool X controls through the robot's I/O. You can manage them at any time from **SmoothTool X Settings**. SmoothTool X supports these external devices: - **[Control Box](/docs/getting-started-external-devices-control-box/)** —…"
url: "https://hub.smooth-robotics.com/docs/getting-started-external-devices/"
updated: "2026-09-23"
category: Getting Started / External Devices
---

# External Devices

The [onboarding wizard](/docs/getting-started-first-time-setup/)'s **External Devices** step is where you add accessories that SmoothTool X controls through the robot's I/O. You can manage them at any time from **SmoothTool X Settings**.

SmoothTool X supports these external devices:

- **[Control Box](/docs/getting-started-external-devices-control-box/)** — a compact unit with a start button, arc switch and emergency stop.
- **[Programming Flange](/docs/getting-started-programming-flange/)** — teach points and control external-axis movement from the flange.
- **[Fume Extractor](/docs/getting-started-external-devices-fume-extractor/)** — start a fume extractor automatically around welding.

## Add an external device

1. From the **Application** view, tap **SmoothTool X Settings**.

 ![Application page — SmoothTool X Settings tile](https://hub.smooth-robotics.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/manual-getting-started-external-devices-external-devices-settings-tile.webp)

1. Under **Components**, tap **External devices**.

 ![SmoothTool X Settings — External devices tab](https://hub.smooth-robotics.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/manual-getting-started-external-devices-external-devices-tab.webp)

1. Tap **Add external device**, choose the device type, configure its inputs and outputs, and tap **Done**.

 ![External devices — Add external device](https://hub.smooth-robotics.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/manual-getting-started-external-devices-external-devices-add.webp)

Follow the guide for the device you are adding:

- [Control Box](/docs/getting-started-external-devices-control-box/)
- [Programming Flange](/docs/getting-started-programming-flange/) (e-Series · UR8-long)
- [Fume Extractor](/docs/getting-started-external-devices-fume-extractor/)