Microsoft Robotics Studio targets Windows CE

Click here to learn
about this Sponsor:

Keywords: Match:

Jul. 09, 2007

Microsoft has released an enhanced version of its robotics application development toolkit. Version 1.5 of Microsoft Robotics Studio now allows creation of autonomous robots running Windows CE and Windows Mobile, and also adds support for vision and speech recognition.

Specifically, the CCR (Concurrency and Coordination Runtime) and DSS (Decentralized Software Services Protocol) runtime files in Robotics Studio 1.5 have been ported to the .NET Compact Framework 2.0, according to Microsoft. This enables support for devices running various Windows CE variants, Windows CE 5.0 and 6.0, Windows Mobile 5.0 and 6.0, and Pocket PC 2003.

Previously, robots developed using Robotics Studio had to run Windows XP, Windows XP Embedded, or Vista in order to operate autonomously. Robots based on Windows CE (or its derivatives) had to be controlled remotely by a Windows PC, a limitation that has now been removed.

Visual programming with Robotics Studio
(Click to enlarge; Source: Microsoft)
Other improvements in version 1.5 of Robotics Studio include elements claimed to run up to 500 percent faster, plus improvements to its visual programming language. Additionally, a new 3D real-world-physics-based visual simulation environment has been built on Ageia Technologies Inc.'s PhysX engine, Microsoft said.

Robotics Studio previously included soccer simulation, which includes a 3D simulated soccer field and scoring services, providing support for entrants in the RoboCup 2007 robotics competition. Version 1.5 now adds a sumo wrestling simulation: a competition based on this began in May at Microsoft's Mobile and Embedded Developer Conference (MEDC).

Microsoft also announced it has placed the DSSP (PDF file) used in Microsoft Robotics Studio under its so-called Open Specification Promise. "This means that the Microsoft patents for the services-oriented protocol specification may be used by anyone in the world, at no cost, and for any type of development including free software, open source, or academic," according to the company.

Highlighting a growing number of academic users for the Microsoft Robotics Studio, Microsoft says Princeton University will use the software to power its entry in this year's DARPA Grand Challenge. In the November 2007 event, driverless automobiles will navigate autonomously through a mock urban environment: merging into moving traffic; navigating traffic circles, negotiating busy intersections; and avoiding obstacles.

Robotics Studio 1.5 was previewed in the form of a Community Technology Preview (CTP) in May of this year. The final version is downloadable here.

Microsoft notes that Robotics Services 1.5 can be used to develop services that can be deployed on Windows CE. However, Windows CE cannot itself run the development tools. Supported operating systems for the latter are Windows Server 2003 R2 (32-bit x86); Windows Server 2003 R2 x64 editions; Windows Vista; Windows XP; and Windows XP 64-bit.

Related stories:

(Click here for further information)

7 Advantages of D2D Backup
For decades, tape has been the backup medium of choice. But, now, disk-to-disk (D2D) backup is gaining in favor. Learn why you should make the move in this whitepaper.

4 Legal Reasons to Control Internet Access
The Internet is obviously a valuable resource for many organizations. However, many are exposed to legal liability concerns because they fail to control Internet access. Learn if you're safe in this white paper.

Rapidly Resolve J2EE Application Problems
Whether you are in the process of building J2EE applications or have J2EE applications already running in production, you must ensure that they deliver the expected ROI. Learn how in this white paper.

Load Testing 2.0 for Web 2.0
There are many unknowns in stress testing Web 2.0 applications. Find out how to test the performance of Web 2.0 in this white paper.

Build Better Games Online
For the game infrastructure providers, life is complex. Making money from games has become more complicated. Why? Find out in this white paper.

Building a Virtual Infrastructure from Servers to Storage
This white paper discusses the virtual storage solutions that reduce cost, increase storage utilization, and address the challenges of backing up and restoring Server environments.

Gaining Faster Wireless Connections with WiMAX
Welcome to what is quickly becoming the hyperconnected world where anything that would benefit from being connected to the network will be connected. Learn more in this white paper.

Is Your Desktop a Security Threat?
The new wave of sophisticated crimeware not only targets specific companies, but also targets desktops and laptops as backdoor entryways into those business’ operations and resources. Learn how to stay safe in this white paper.

Increasing SAN Reliability by 100 Percent
Storage area networks (SAN) are a strong part of storage plans. Learn how to increase your reliability and uptime by 100 percent in this case study.

Got a HOT tip? please tell us!

Click here for a profile of each sponsor:

PLATINUM SPONSORS
<a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/entzd.windowsfordevices/desktop;kw=msembedded;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?"" style="border-width:0px;height:150px;width:30px;"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/entzd.windowsfordevices/desktop;kw=msembedded;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?" style="border:0; height: 150; width:30;" /></a>		<a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/entzd.windowsfordevices/desktop;kw=trolltech;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?"" style="border-width:0px;height:150px;width:30px;"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/entzd.windowsfordevices/desktop;kw=trolltech;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?" style="border:0; height: 150; width:30;" /></a>

(Become a sponsor)

ADVERTISEMENT
(Advertise here)

Check out the latest Windows-powered...

mobile phones!

other cool
gadgets

HOT TOPICS
• Microsoft targets PNDs with new embedded OS
• Microsoft tips .NET MF 3.0 highlights
• Microsoft previews Windows Embedded Standard
• Microsoft offers free Windows CE 6.0 textbook
• Microsoft renames embedded operating systems
• Microsoft unveils Windows Mobile 6.1
• New Atom models target low-cost PCs

REFERENCE GUIDES
• Windows Device Showcase
• Intro to Windows Embedded
• Intro to Shared Source
• Real-time Windows Embedded
• Windows Embedded books

Join our Windows Embedded discussion forums:
• Windows XP Embedded
• Windows CE
• Windows Mobile

Windows Embedded developer newsgroups
• Windows CE
• XP Embedded
• PocketPC
• Smartphone

Microsoft's Windows Embedded resources
• Embedded dev center
• Mobile dev center
• Windows CE tutorials
• XP Embedded tutorials
• Windows Embedded seminars
• Windows Embedded application categories
• 3rd-party partners

BREAKING NEWS

• Upated JVM supports Windows CE
• Windows Mobile 6.1 phone has GPS
• Windows CE thin client hides in wall sockets
• Portable spectrum analyzer runs Windows CE
• VoIP client gains add-ons, API
• Windows Mobile phone has dual active SIMs
• Access gives away Windows Mobile utilities
• Intel's Atom powers mini-ITX board
• Microsoft revamps Windows Mobile website
• Low-cost phone bundles IM client
• Pico-ITX board bears twins
• Microsoft details finalists in student competition
• Intrinsyc revs Windows CE-based software platform
• $300 mini-laptop runs Windows CE
• Microsoft releases server virtualization technology

Also visit our sister sites:

Sign up for WindowsForDevices.com's...

news feed

Home \| News \| Articles \| Polls \| Forum \| Directory \| About \| Contact

	Ziff Davis Enterprise Home \| Contact Us \| Advertise \| Link to Us \| Reprints \| Magazine Subscriptions \| Newsletters Tech RSS Feeds \| White Papers \| ROI Calculators \| Tech Podcasts \| Tech Video \| VARs \| Channel News
	Baseline \| Careers \| Channel Insider \| CIO Insight \| DesktopLinux \| DeviceForge \| DevSource \| eSeminars \| eWEEK \| Enterprise Network Security \| LinuxDevices \| Linux Watch \| Microsoft Watch \| Mid-market \| Networking \| PDF Zone \| Publish \| Security IT Hub \| Strategic Partner \| Web Buyer's Guide \| Windows for Devices
	Developer Shed \| Dev Shed \| ASP Free \| Dev Articles \| Dev Hardware \| SEO Chat \| Tutorialized \| Scripts \| Code Walkers \| Web Hosters \| Dev Mechanic \| Dev Archives \| igrep
Use of this site is governed by our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Except where otherwise specified, the contents of this site are copyright © 1999-2008 Ziff Davis Enterprise Holdings Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Ziff Davis Enterprise is prohibited. Windows is a trademark or registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries and is used by WindowsForDevices under license from owner. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. WindowsForDevices is an independent publication not affiliated with Microsoft Corporation.

Home \| News \| Articles \| Polls \| Forum \| Directory \| About \| Contact

	Ziff Davis Enterprise Home \| Contact Us \| Advertise \| Link to Us \| Reprints \| Magazine Subscriptions \| Newsletters Tech RSS Feeds \| White Papers \| ROI Calculators \| Tech Podcasts \| Tech Video \| VARs \| Channel News
	Baseline \| Careers \| Channel Insider \| CIO Insight \| DesktopLinux \| DeviceForge \| DevSource \| eSeminars \| eWEEK \| Enterprise Network Security \| LinuxDevices \| Linux Watch \| Microsoft Watch \| Mid-market \| Networking \| PDF Zone \| Publish \| Security IT Hub \| Strategic Partner \| Web Buyer's Guide \| Windows for Devices
	Developer Shed \| Dev Shed \| ASP Free \| Dev Articles \| Dev Hardware \| SEO Chat \| Tutorialized \| Scripts \| Code Walkers \| Web Hosters \| Dev Mechanic \| Dev Archives \| igrep
Use of this site is governed by our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Except where otherwise specified, the contents of this site are copyright © 1999-2008 Ziff Davis Enterprise Holdings Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Ziff Davis Enterprise is prohibited. Windows is a trademark or registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries and is used by WindowsForDevices under license from owner. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. WindowsForDevices is an independent publication not affiliated with Microsoft Corporation.