683 research outputs found
Towards Python-based Domain-specific Languages for Self-reconfigurable Modular Robotics Research
This paper explores the role of operating system and high-level languages in
the development of software and domain-specific languages (DSLs) for
self-reconfigurable robotics. We review some of the current trends in
self-reconfigurable robotics and describe the development of a software system
for ATRON II which utilizes Linux and Python to significantly improve software
abstraction and portability while providing some basic features which could
prove useful when using Python, either stand-alone or via a DSL, on a
self-reconfigurable robot system. These features include transparent socket
communication, module identification, easy software transfer and reliable
module-to-module communication. The end result is a software platform for
modular robots that where appropriate builds on existing work in operating
systems, virtual machines, middleware and high-level languages.Comment: Presented at DSLRob 2011 (arXiv:1212.3308
A Framework for Coupled Simulations of Robots and Spiking Neuronal Networks
Bio-inspired robots still rely on classic robot control although advances in neurophysiology allow adaptation to control as well. However, the connection of a robot to spiking neuronal networks needs adjustments for each purpose and requires frequent adaptation during an iterative development. Existing approaches cannot bridge the gap between robotics and neuroscience or do not account for frequent adaptations. The contribution of this paper is an architecture and domain-specific language (DSL) for connecting robots to spiking neuronal networks for iterative testing in simulations, allowing neuroscientists to abstract from implementation details. The framework is implemented in a web-based platform. We validate the applicability of our approach with a case study based on image processing for controlling a four-wheeled robot in an experiment setting inspired by Braitenberg vehicles
Laboratory on Legs: An Architechture for Adjustable Morphology with Legged Robots
For mobile robots, the essential units of actuation, computation, and sensing must be designed to fit within the body of the robot. Additional capabilities will largely depend upon a given activity, and should be easily reconfigurable to maximize the diversity of applications and experiments. To address this issue, we introduce a modular architecture originally developed and tested in the design and implementation of the X-RHex hexapod that allows the robot to operate as a mobile laboratory on legs. In the present paper we will introduce the specification, design and very earliest operational data of Canid, an actively driven compliant-spined quadruped whose completely different morphology and intended dynamical operating point are nevertheless built around exactly the same “Lab on Legs” actuation, computation, and sensing infrastructure. We will review as well, more briefly a second RHex variation, the XRL latform, built using the same components.
For more information: Kod*La
RobotPerf: An Open-Source, Vendor-Agnostic, Benchmarking Suite for Evaluating Robotics Computing System Performance
We introduce RobotPerf, a vendor-agnostic benchmarking suite designed to
evaluate robotics computing performance across a diverse range of hardware
platforms using ROS 2 as its common baseline. The suite encompasses ROS 2
packages covering the full robotics pipeline and integrates two distinct
benchmarking approaches: black-box testing, which measures performance by
eliminating upper layers and replacing them with a test application, and
grey-box testing, an application-specific measure that observes internal system
states with minimal interference. Our benchmarking framework provides
ready-to-use tools and is easily adaptable for the assessment of custom ROS 2
computational graphs. Drawing from the knowledge of leading robot architects
and system architecture experts, RobotPerf establishes a standardized approach
to robotics benchmarking. As an open-source initiative, RobotPerf remains
committed to evolving with community input to advance the future of
hardware-accelerated robotics
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