How can you learn about ROS-based platforms and frameworks for robot learning and AI?

2 ROS learning platforms

Once you have a solid grasp of the ROS basics, you can start exploring some of the ROS learning platforms that offer simulated and real robot environments for practicing and experimenting with different robot learning and AI methods. Some of the most popular ROS learning platforms are Gazebo, a 3D physics-based simulator that can model various robots and sensors, PyBullet, a Python interface for the Bullet physics engine that can simulate complex robot dynamics and control, and AWS RoboMaker, a cloud-based service that allows you to develop, test, and deploy ROS applications on scalable and secure infrastructure.

3 ROS learning frameworks

Another way to learn about ROS-based robot learning and AI is to use some of the ROS learning frameworks that provide high-level abstractions and interfaces for implementing and integrating various robot learning and AI techniques. Some of the most widely used ROS learning frameworks are ROS Industrial, a consortium that develops and maintains ROS packages for industrial robotics, MoveIt, a framework that enables motion planning, kinematics, and control for manipulators, and ROS 2 Learn, a framework that facilitates reinforcement learning, imitation learning, and self-supervised learning for robots.

4 ROS learning projects

A great way to learn by doing is to work on some of the ROS learning projects that challenge you to apply your knowledge and skills to solve real-world problems or achieve specific goals with robots. Some of the ROS learning projects that you can try are TurtleBot3, a low-cost and customizable mobile robot platform that can perform various tasks such as SLAM, navigation, and manipulation, TIAGo, a versatile humanoid robot platform that can interact with humans and objects in domestic and professional environments, and RoboCup, a global competition that fosters research and education in robot soccer, rescue, and home domains.

5 ROS learning communities

One of the best ways to learn from others and share your experiences is to join some of the ROS learning communities that connect you with other ROS users and experts around the world. Some of the ROS learning communities that you can participate in are ROS Discourse, a forum where you can ask questions, post announcements, and discuss topics related to ROS, ROS Answers, a Q&A site where you can get help and help others with ROS issues, and ROS Events, a calendar where you can find and attend local and online events such as meetups, workshops, and webinars.

6 ROS learning resources

Finally, if you want to keep up with the latest developments and trends in ROS-based robot learning and AI, you need to access some of the ROS learning resources that provide you with updated information, news, and insights. Some of the ROS learning resources that you can follow are ROS News, a blog that covers new releases, packages, projects, and events related to ROS, The Construct, a company that offers online courses, webinars, podcasts, and blogs on ROS and related topics, and ROSCon, an annual conference that showcases the best practices and innovations in the ROS community.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?