How can you program a robotic system with the right software?

1 Software platform basics

A software platform is a set of tools and libraries that enable you to develop, test, and run your robotic system. It typically consists of a programming language, an integrated development environment (IDE), a framework, and a simulator. A programming language is the syntax and grammar that you use to write your code. An IDE is a software application that helps you write, debug, and execute your code. A framework is a collection of predefined functions and modules that simplify common tasks and provide standard interfaces. A simulator is a software tool that mimics the behavior and physics of your robotic system in a virtual environment.

2 Choosing a programming language

When programming a robotic system, you need to decide on the best programming language to use. C++, Python, Java, and MATLAB are some of the most popular languages for robotics. Each language has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your level of expertise, project requirements, and personal preference. To make the right choice, you should consider the complexity and performance of your robotic system, the compatibility and availability of your software platform, and the flexibility and functionality of your programming language. For example, if you need to program a complex and high-performance system, C++ might be a good choice as it offers more control over hardware and memory management. If you want to use a specific software platform like ROS (Robot Operating System), then you need to use either C++ or Python. On the other hand, if you want to use a cross-platform language that is compatible with different hardware and operating systems, then Java or MATLAB might be more suitable. Additionally, if you want to use an open-source language with a large community of developers and users, then C++ or Python might be preferable. And if you want a domain-specific language with built-in functions and libraries for robotics or machine learning, then MATLAB could be a great option.

3 Choosing an IDE

An IDE is an essential tool for programming a robotic system, as it helps you write, edit, debug, and run your code. It typically provides features such as syntax highlighting, code completion, error checking, debugging tools, code formatting, and project management. Visual Studio Code, Eclipse, and MATLAB are some of the most popular IDEs for robotics. Visual Studio Code is free and open-source with a large and diverse collection of extensions that enhance its functionality and integration with other tools and platforms. Eclipse is also free and open-source with a modular and customizable architecture. MATLAB is proprietary and paid but supports MATLAB and Simulink languages for numerical computing and graphical programming. It has specialized toolboxes and libraries for robotics, machine learning, and image processing.

4 Choosing a framework

A framework is a software component that provides a set of predefined functions and modules to simplify common tasks and provide standard interfaces for robotic systems. It can help manage communication, coordination, and control of the system, as well as the integration of sensors, actuators, and algorithms. Moreover, it can allow code reuse and sharing with other developers and users. ROS, Arduino, and OpenCV are some of the most popular frameworks for robotics; each has its own purpose. ROS is designed for distributed and modular robotics, allowing multiple nodes to run on different machines or devices and communicate with each other. Arduino is designed for embedded and microcontroller-based robotics, allowing programming and control of small devices. OpenCV is designed for computer vision and image processing, allowing capture, processing, and analysis of images and videos from cameras.

5 Choosing a simulator

Simulators are software tools that mimic the behavior and physics of robotic systems in a virtual environment. Such tools can help you test and evaluate your robotic system without the need for physical hardware and resources, as well as visualize and debug it. Simulators can also be used to train and optimize robotic systems using machine learning techniques. Popular simulators include Gazebo, CoppeliaSim, and Simulink. Gazebo is free and open-source, supporting multiple programming languages such as C++ and Python, while CoppeliaSim is proprietary and paid, supporting multiple languages such as C++, Python, and MATLAB. Simulink is also proprietary and paid, supporting MATLAB and Simulink for creating and simulating robotic systems using graphical blocks and diagrams. All three simulators integrate with ROS as well as other frameworks and tools such as MATLAB, OpenCV, Arduino, etc.

6 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?