We explore the pumping and swimming performance of rigid robotic arms in viscous silicone oil. Around a stationary body, metachronal motion pumps the fluid and generates a complex flow field. When the body is allowed to translate freely, the robot swims using metachronal motion, given the additional constraint that the arms are pointed in distinct orientations. We also show that the swimming speed increases when it is closer to confining boundaries. The measured displacement over time matches well with a mathematical model. Our findings reveal subtle differences in the minimal requirements for pumping and swimming with rigid arms at low Reynolds number.