How can you ensure the interoperability of robotics control systems with older systems?

2 Choose an appropriate middleware

A middleware is a software layer that facilitates the interaction and integration of different applications and systems. Choosing an appropriate middleware can greatly simplify and enhance the interoperability of your robotics control system with older systems by providing common services, such as data conversion, message routing, error handling, authentication, and encryption. For example, you may use Robot Operating System (ROS) for your robotics control system. ROS is a popular open-source middleware that supports a wide range of robotics platforms, libraries, tools, and protocols. It can help you create modular and reusable robotics control software that can interoperate with older systems using various communication methods. Alternatively, you may also use Open Platform Communication (OPC) or Object Management Group (OMG) Data Distribution Service (DDS). OPC is a standard middleware that enables the exchange of data between industrial automation systems, while DDS is a standard middleware that enables the real-time and reliable delivery of data between distributed systems. Both of these middlewares can help you connect your robotics control system with older systems using different protocols and data models.

3 Implement a common data model

A common data model is a representation of the data elements, relationships, and rules that are shared by different systems. Implementing a common data model can improve the interoperability between your robotics control system and older systems, by ensuring consistency, accuracy, and validity of the data exchanged. Additionally, it can reduce the complexity and redundancy of the data processing and storage. To achieve this, you may use methods such as data mapping, data ontology, or data federation. Data mapping is a process of defining the correspondence between the data elements of different systems. This can help you transform, convert, and validate the data formats and values. Data ontology is a formal specification of the concepts, properties, and relations of a domain of knowledge. This can help you describe, annotate, and reason about the data semantics and context. Lastly, data federation is a technique of integrating the data from multiple sources into a virtual or logical view. This can help you access, query, and manipulate the data without affecting their physical locations or structures.

4 Test and verify your system

The final step to ensure the interoperability of your robotics control system with older systems is to test and verify its functionality, performance, and reliability. This can help detect and resolve any interoperability issues, errors, or conflicts that may arise during system operation. To do this, you may simulate a virtual model of your system with a tool like Gazebo to evaluate the behavior and outcomes under different scenarios. Emulation tools like QEMU can be used to test compatibility and interaction with other systems that are not available or accessible. Validation tools like Robotics System Toolbox can be used to check compliance and conformance with predefined requirements and standards, as well as verify the correctness and quality of the design and implementation.