Robot Operating System
Visit: www.ros.org
Full version: Free (BSD licence)
Robot Operating System (ROS) is a framework for developing robotics applications. It is a collection of tools, libraries and conventions, which provides the platform to create robotics programs. Core components of ROS are communication middleware, some robot-specific features and command-line tools. The communication interface takes care of message passing, recording, playback, procedure calling and distributed parameter systems. Robot-specific services include Robot Description Language support, Robot Geometry Library, Standard Robot Messages, Pose Estimation and Localisation, diagnostics and troubleshooting. Commands and instructions are provided through rviz (command-line tool) and rqt (qt-based graphical interface). Latest version of the software is called Melodic Morenia. ROS runs on Linux (Ubuntu Artul, Bionic and Devian Stretch). It is also experimentally compatible with MacOS.
Robotics System Toolbox
Visit: https://in.mathworks.com
Full version: Paid
MathWorks has developed Robotics System Toolbox, which creates an interface between ROS and MATLAB, or ROS and Simulink platforms. The complete environment can be used to test and evaluate robotic functions on actual ROS-driven robots as well as on robot simulation tools (like Gazebo). The Toolbox can be used to create various algorithms like path planning and following of robot, obstacle avoidance, scanning and scan matching, state estimation, bi-directional communication as well as more advanced logics like inverse kinematics, kinematic constraints and rigid body tree-based dynamics programming. It is a great tool for various autonomous robotic applications like humanoid robots, aerial vehicles, ground robots and manipulators.
RoboLogix
Visit: www.robologix.com
Full version: Paid
RoboLogix is a versatile industrial robot simulator software, beneficial for students, new engineers as well as professionals. The platform represents a digital five-axis industrial robot that allows you to run, test, debug and teach robotics programs. Its interface is highly interactive and interesting with 3D visual graphics. The learning curve is not too complicated because of the easy-to-understand instruction sets. With RoboLogix, you can assess and evaluate your industrial robotic applications digitally with accuracy before implementing these in real life. Various applications like pick-and-place, palletising, wielding and painting can be programmed with RoboLogix.
LabVIEW
Visit: www.ni.com/robotics
Full version: Paid
National Instruments (NI) developed Laboratory Visual Instrument Engineering Workbench (LabVIEW) as a system design platform and Visual Programming Language development environment. It can be actively used for robotics applications. Algorithms for various functions like sensor communication, motion path, obstacle avoidance, steering and kinematics, among others, can be achieved with LabVIEW. The software is compatible across multiple platforms, namely, Windows, MacOS, Linux and Unix.
Eon AVR Platform
Visit: www.eonreality.com/platform
Full version: Paid
Eon Reality has come up with an innovative training platform utilising augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies, called Eon AVR Platform. It can be used by enterprises to train their workforce, or by educational institutions for their students. AVR Platform contains three main modules. First is Creator AVR, which provides simulated lessons on various subjects. It can be used to create subject matter and material for reference and study. Second is VR Trainer, which is a VR-based interactive hands-on training interface. It can be useful for enterprises to train their workforce digitally about their practical assignments before deploying them for work in real life. It provides clear insights on various metrics like trainer-trainee collaboration and progress reports, and advanced analytics to understand the level of employee preparedness. The final module is AR Assist, which is an AR-based digital assistant for workers on site. The platform is Internet of Things (IoT)-connected to help the workforce identify objects and issues in real time. The software can integrate existing databases or create new ones for all modules. Eon AVR Platform is Internet of Things (IoT)-connected to help the workforce identify objects and issues in real time. The software can integrate existing databases or create new ones for all modules. Eon AVR Platform is cloud-connected, enabling users to access data anytime, from anywhere.
