ROS and Modern Robotics‍

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ROS (Robot Operating System) is a collection of essential components, interfaces, and tools that simplify the development of robotics software. Acting as middleware, it connects sensors, drive controls, networks, and servers. ROS also includes integrated software for mapping, simulation, navigation, and data aggregation. In the robotics world, it is the ultimate generalist, making it ideal for custom client applications. This is precisely why we use ROS to power FullAware and many of our software solutions at Fremont Robotics.‍

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ROS Architecture‍

The core of ROS architecture is the node. Nodes are discrete packages that perform tasks. They send and receive messages, execute calculations and actions, and run other software components. Nodes are externally configurable via parameters and are discoverable by other nodes on the network. A collection of nodes forms a node graph. Combinations of interacting nodes in the same graph create objects known as topics, services, and actions, which are the software building blocks that transform a set of sensors, actuators, and microcontrollers into a robot. For example, a camera mounted on a robot is represented in software as a node. This node can collect data from its output and broadcast that data to the network via a topic. It can also offer services such as starting or stopping the broadcast, or actions like taking pictures. This flexible representation of inputs, outputs, and functionality makes it easy for other robots or software components to interact with it. If a client needs a robot with specific capabilities, ROS allows us to integrate the necessary sensors and software to deliver an effective solution.‍

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ROS-Based Software

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‍ROS enables us to develop software that interacts directly with robots on an ROS network. At Fremont Robotics, our flagship fleet management suite, FullAware, is built on this foundation. A local web server at the fleet site interfaces with robots over the ROS network, enabling remote and onsite operators to manage movement, data collection, and mission systems. As developers, we find the connection between ROS and the server intuitive and straightforward. ROS manages navigation during missions, allowing robots to move efficiently without colliding with obstacles. Additionally, we have integrated custom actions into the network to handle complex tasks like AI-powered gauge reading. This combination of built-in and custom functionality allows us to develop dynamic and powerful software rapidly.

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‍Industry Uses

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In the automation industry, robotics plays a significant role, but there is a divide between traditional automation—consisting of PLCs and control panels linked to conveyors and stationary robot arms—and modern robotics, which uses advanced software methodologies and mobile, autonomous robots. While both approaches often work together, they typically rely on different software solutions. In traditional automation, each company offers software tailored to its robots and control systems, such as Fanuc’s ROBOGUIDE, UR’s Polyscope, and DENSO’s Wincaps III. These systems are highly refined and reliable but lack a universal architecture that supports controlling multiple robots from different manufacturers in one system. There are some exceptions, like RoboDK, a platform that allows users to program multi-axis robot arms from various manufacturers. However, it is not yet an industry standard and competes with long-established, platform-specific programs. ROS is rarely used in traditional automation, though Universal Robotics offers ROS support for their robotic arms.In contrast, ROS is the gold standard in modern robotics. It is supported by leading organizations, including Boston Dynamics and Clearpath Robotics, and is used in military applications by the US Army and in space robotics by NASA. ROS also forms the basis of NVIDIA’s Isaac ROS system, which integrates AI to train robots and build robotic applications. Its universality and ease of use make ROS pervasive in the modern robotics industry.‍

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Bridging the Divide

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‍At Fremont Robotics, we aim to leverage technologies like ROS and AI to create solutions across various industries. Whether you need to integrate new functionality into existing systems or develop novel software for modern challenges, we are here to help. Exciting advancements are happening at the intersection of software and robotics, and we invite you to be part of them. Contact us today to explore how we can provide solutions tailored to your industry.