Click here to learn
about this Sponsor:
Home  |  News  |  Articles  |  Polls  |  Forum  |  Directory

Keywords: Match:
Robot software shootout -- the sequel!
Jul. 30, 2008

Today's nascent robotics market has engendered nearly two dozen general-purpose software development frameworks, many of which run Windows. This article reviews ten, and briefly describes a few others, before concluding with an analysis of which platforms are best-suited to which uses.

The article begins with a look at the current state of robotic intelligence. It describes applications were robots have been used successfully, and discusses areas where work remains to be done. Salient topics include the potential impact of learning robots, autonomous indoor and outdoor navigation, unmanned vehicle intelligence, robot programming versus robot training, and the many potential uses for advanced, intelligent service robots.

Next, ten specific service robot software platforms are discussed in detail. These include:
  • Microsoft Robotics Studio
  • MobileRobots
  • Skilligent
  • iRobot AWARE 2.0
  • Gostai Urbi
  • Evolution Robotics ERSP 3.1
  • OROCOS
  • Player, Stage, Gazebo
Other platforms discusssed in brief include:
  • CLARAty
  • Edinburgh Robotics DevBot
  • Pyro (Python Robotics)
  • YARP ("Yet Another Robot Platform")
  • JAUS
The article was written by Michael Somby, a control systems engineer with experience designing auto-pilot systems and power plant control systems. Somby is also a long-time robotics hobbyist with direct experience using most of the platforms he discusses.

The nicely organized article includes lots of photos, screenshots, and a comparison chart, along with links to an amazing number of robotics resources available on the web. To learn more, read Somby's excellent technical overview, Updated review of robotics software platforms.



Related Stories:


(Click here for further information)


Windows XP for Embedded Applications
This white paper describes the benefits of using Windows XP when developing embedded applications.

A Manager's Guide to Selecting a Mobile Device Operating System
This white paper offers a comparative review of Microsoft Windows CE and Windows Mobile.

Visual Basic 6.0 to .NET Migration
This paper focuses on the methodology and techniques which Infosys (Microsoft Technology Center) has developed for migrating VB 6.0 Applications to .NET. Our approach ensures a smooth, cost effective, and efficient migration.

Mobile Device Security: Securing the Handheld, Securing the Enterprise
This whitepaper identifies security threats to corporate data on mobile devices and details how mobile devices can become a "backdoor" to the enterprise.

Mobile Device Security: The Eight Areas of Risk
It's common knowledge that adding mobile devices to your network increases security risks. There are multiple facets to mobile security, all of which should be paid close attention to. This E-Guide presents a more in depth look into the eight key areas of securing wireless devices.

Quality Assurance and .NET
This paper discusses best practices for functional, regression and load testing of .NET applications.

SCADA Security in Integrated Networks
As businesses leverage their SCADA systems by integrating them into the business networks, they must also assure the security of the SCADA system.

The Advantages of Small Form Factor HMI
HMIs have mutated and changed with new requirements, and they have become more flexible and capable. And while they've been doing that, they've become smaller and more useful.

9 Critical Requirements for Web Application Security
Learn why your Web applications expose dangerous security breaches and what’s required to effectively protect your Web applications and the sensitive information behind them.

 


Got a HOT tip?   please tell us!
Free weekly newsletter
Enter your email...
Click here for a profile of each sponsor:
PLATINUM SPONSORS
(Become a sponsor)

ADVERTISEMENT
(Advertise here)

Updated! 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

• Cortex-A8 SBCs target signage and kiosks
• Student competition offers a different kind of fireworks
• Windows CE SBC targets HMI development
• All-you-can-eat carrier launches -- sort of
• Adeneo and IntervalZero promote "soft-control" architecture
• App creates virtual serial ports in Windows CE
• Windows satellite phone service takes off (literally)
• Bsquare and Microsoft renew key distribution agreement
• Software syncs HTC phones with Macs
• Electricity meter runs Windows, talks to Google
• Windows device is two phones in one
• MIcrosoft's online store to debut with 600 Windows Mobile apps
• Windows Mobile gets upgraded Skype VoIP client
• Panel PC targets outdoor use
• Samsung shrinks ARM11 application processor


MOST POPULAR (last 90 days)
• "Netbook" uses Intel's Atom N270
• Windows CE takes on Linux in low-end netbooks
• HTC ups Touch resolution
• Microsoft unleashes new embedded OS
• Windows Mobile phone gets 800 x 480 display
• HTC spins WiMAX phone?
• Smart camera sports Atom
• Dual-core AMD netbook gets rave review
• Windows Mobile 7 "delayed"
• GPS phone uses new Marvell "Tavor" chip
MOST POPULAR (Classics from the vault)
Windows XP Embedded USB boot
Troubleshooting Windows XPe's blue screen "Stop 0x0000007B" error
Asus reveals $190 mini notebook
Windows Mobile 6 SDKs available for download
Windows Mobile VPN client plays with Cisco
HTC adds GPS to Windows Mobile Touch line
Microsoft unveils Windows Mobile 6.1
Guide to HTC's Windows Mobile smartphone platforms
• HTC releases Touch Diamond ROM upgrade
Customizing Windows XP Embedded thin clients

Also visit our sister sites:


Sign up for WindowsForDevices.com's...

news feed

Or, follow us on Twitter...



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 © 1999-2009 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.