The Singularity Watch Newsletter: The Digital Brain
Dear Innovators and Tech Enthusiasts,
In this enlightening eighteenth issue of The Singularity Watch, we embark on a journey through the digital brains of our mechanical companions, the operating systems (OS) that bring robots to life.
Generally speaking, the computers running robots don’t use the operating systems (OS) most are familiar with. The food delivery robot zipping down the street is unlikely to be running Windows or MacOS, rather they most likely operate on a Linux-based operating system or perhaps something even simpler.
From the well-established ROS to the emerging PyRobot and GenoM3, each system offers unique capabilities and challenges. Let’s dive into the differences and nuances of these platforms, shedding light on what makes each one tick.
ROS vs. ROS2: Evolution in Progress
The Robot Operating System (ROS) has long been the backbone of robotic software development, offering tools, libraries, and conventions to simplify the complex process of creating robot behaviour. ROS2 represents an evolution, designed to support more robust and reliable systems, with improvements in message passing and security tailored for industrial applications. While ROS emphasizes flexibility and rapid prototyping, ROS2 leans towards stability and scalability, making it the go-to choice for commercial and industrial robots requiring high degrees of reliability and precision.
For more information on ROS check out this website – https://www.ros.org/
PyRobot: Simplifying Robotics for Researchers
PyRobot emerges as a bridge between the complexity of robotics software and the accessibility needed by researchers. Developed to simplify robot programming, PyRobot allows researchers to focus on higher-level algorithms without getting bogged down by hardware specifics. Its strength lies in its simplicity and the ease with which new users can start working with robotics, making it an ideal tool for academic settings and rapid prototyping.
Offical Website: https://pyrobot.org/
GenoM3: Engineering Autonomous Systems
Stepping into the spotlight, GenoM3 introduces itself as a robust framework designed for building autonomous systems. Its modular approach to software architecture allows for the seamless integration of components and functionalities, making it a formidable ally in developing complex, mission-critical robotic applications. GenoM3 shines in scenarios where modularity, reusability, and system integrity are paramount, offering a structured pathway to sophisticated autonomy in robotics.
Check out GenoM3: https://git.openrobots.org/projects/genom3
Picking The Right Operating System
When selecting which platform is best to develop your robotic solution there are several factors at play. For instance, an early startup looking to move quickly and develop a Minimally Viable Product may opt to forgo the ever-popular ROS and work in PyRobot.
By side-stepping the learning curve of ROS for the simpler PyRobot and gaining access to lower cost and widely available computing models a lean startup requiring lower compute power and complexity may benefit greatly.
However if one were selecting a system to develop a product with the intent for scalability then ROS may be worth the initial trouble. It’s far easier to hire ROS developers than PyRobot developers while also offering a much more robust framework which allows you to leverage powerful and predictable compute elements.
Regardless of your choice of Operating System let’s not forget to code in a few back door kill switches….because we never truly know when the next ROS update may bring about the Robot Uprising.
Join the Robotics Revolution
As the field of robotics continues to expand, understanding the foundations that support this growth becomes essential. Whether you’re a developer, a researcher, or simply a robotics aficionado, the choice of operating system can significantly influence the success and capabilities of robotic projects.
We invite you to delve deeper into the world of robotics with us. Subscribe to our mailing list and join our member portal for exclusive access to in-depth articles, expert insights, and comprehensive guides on robotics operating systems and beyond.
Don’t miss this chance to be at the forefront of technological exploration. Subscribe to The Singularity Watch, and let’s unravel the complexities of robotics together, one operating system at a time.
