Most advanced robotics Simulation software overview

Creating a complete virtual model by simulating components and control programs can leads to simplifying the construction p Rocess of a robot and can reduce costs of a project. The good part is, the most applications used in simulation can being transferred to physical robots without requiring changes , or at least major changes. In a virtual environment interactions and behavior of a robot or system can is simulated with high accuracy compared to th e actual real life model. For example a mobile robot can is simulated as it moves around in an environment with lots of obstacles and rough terrain, In order to analyse the response from its sensors and the efficiency of its algorithms.

Benefits of Simulation

• Reduce costs involved in robot production;
• Can make a diagnosis of source code that controls a particular resource or a mix of resources;
• Possibility to simulate various alternatives without involving physical costs;
• The robot or components can is tested;
• Simulation can be do in stages, if the project is complex and requires it;
• Can make a demonstration of system to determine if are viable or not;
• Compatibility with a wide range of programming languages;
• Shorter delivery times.

Disadvantages of simulation

• The program can simulate just, what it was programmed to simulate;
• The robot can meet many more scenarios on the real world than can be simulated.

New versions of simulation platforms offer increasingly more features this make simulation easier and also very close to R Eality. A significant contribution comes from 3D simulation which can is used to build the robot and the environment in detail. Most tools is compatible with programming languages LIKE:C, C + +, Perl, Python, Java, URBI, or MATLAB. Below you can find a list of simulation tools.

Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio

Microsoft offers robot developers a complete tool so can be used to program and create 3D simulations of your robot and Environment. It supports major robotic platforms like the Mindstorms NXT from Lego. The software offers various methods and technologies for rapid prototyping and includes a great amount of functional Libra Ries.

Read our article about setting up MRDs 4 to program your Lego mindstorms NXT robot

Created in Microsoft style, MRDs 4 are friendly with the users and integrates well with your Windows environment.

Webots.

Webots have a friendly interface, and supports the following languages:c/c++, Java, Python, URBI, MATLAB or interface with Third party software through TCP/IP. It is one of the most common simulation platforms with a long list of the components which can being used in simulation and the P Ossibility of adding other components.

Workspace.

Compatible with most Windows operating systems, Workspace 5 are a powerful set of tools that supports 3D simulation and are Compatible with a long list of languages in the industrial Area:ab G-code, ABB Rapid, Adept v-plus, Fanuc Karel 5, Fanuc TP, Mitsubishi PA10, Mitsubishi melfa Basic, Motoman Inform II, Kawasaki as, Kuka KRL, Nachi Slim, Panasonic Pres and Siem Ens G-code.

Components and fixtures is included and can be used in building the simulation environment and robot. Another important feature is compatibility with the CAD files that can being created in AutoCAD for example and then imported into T He simulation program to be used.

V-rep.

V-rep is a 3D simulator compatible with Windows, Macs and Linux, which allows modeling of an entire system or only certain Components such as sensors, mechanisms, gearing and so on. The control program of a component can is attached to the object or the scene with objects to model in a-similar to re Ality. The platform can used to control the hardware part, develop algorithms, create factory automation simulations, or for E Ducational demonstrations.

In. LabVIEW

Compatible with most operating systems, LabVIEW are used extensively in engineering and. is a complex system the can be used in simulation, testing or measurement. It offers the possibility of simulating a large number of hardware components.

OpenHRP3.

Used for development and simulation, OpenHRP3 are a complex environment and offers a suite of components to develop some of The more complex robots. Allows dynamic simulation which requires inspection by the user of the robot model and the program that controls the robot .

. Player

Used less in complex simulations, Player was mainly used to simulate sensor applications. Compatible with most operating systems and programming languages, the platform can simulate a variety of sensors and their Response to various stimuli. It also offers the possibility to create 3D simulations.

Simbad.

Simbad is a java-compatible simulation tool the can be used for educational or scientific purposes. Simbad is mainly used for simulating 3D visualization and sensing, range or contact sensors.

Algodoo.

Algodoo is a free simulation platform designed mainly for educational purposes. It is used similarly as a drawing tool and are available for Windows, Mac and IPad.

Ten. Roboworks

Roboworks 3.0 is a excellent 3D modeler for use with educational purposes and in industrial simulation. Graphics in 3D can being added in a easy-to-do and it's compatible with C, C + +, interpreter Ch, VB, vb.net, LabView, et C. A free demo are available for download.

Robotstudio.

Robotstudio is a powerful development suite created by ABB and are specialized in industrial robot simulation. The program also offers a generous list of components which can is used to simulate a robot or its sensors, actuators, GRI Ppers, etc. A free version with limited functionality are available for download.

Gazebo.

Gazebo can simulate complex systems and a variety of sensor components. It is used especially in developing robots used in interaction, to lift or grab objects, to push, or any other activity wh Ich requires recognition and localization in space. It is an open source platform for which anyone can develop a plug-in with model components. Also is compatible with ROS and Player. Gazebo 4 is available for Linux and is freely downloadable.

Actin Simulation

Compatible with CAD files, Actin Simulation can is used for various activities which including Simulation of algorithms, J oin types, rendering, dynamics and control.

Blender

Blender is a open source software tool through which data can be obtained after simulation of actuators, sensors and cont Rollers. It's compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux.

Workcellsimulator.

Workcellsimulator used to simulate and program industrial robots. It ' s mainly used for applications which involve handling, sorting or machinery for laser cutting and similar applications.

Robotsim:edu.

Robotsim:edu is part of the STEM suite created by Cogmation. As its name implies, it's designed to being used primarily for educational purposes, it's compatible with cogmation C + + API or the LabVIEW software.

3DSimulate

3DSimulate is part of the software suite created by Visual components, designed for industrial applications modeling and P Rogramming. A Trial Version can downloaded after subscribing.

Roboguide.

Roboguide developed by FANUC consists of the four components, each of them has a role in simulation. Handlingpro allows 3D simulation, Paintpro have the role to create links between robot components and programs, Palletpro a nd Pallettool used for development and integration of robotic palletizing and depalletizing systems, Weldpro allows enviro Nment Simulation where the robot operates.

Robologix.

With a friendly interface, Robologix are an advanced 3D simulation environment for industrial robots, however it is Designe D primarily for educational purposes. Some of the features include testing and editing programs used to control robots, and the possibility to optimize the CYCL E times by comparing the control programs. A free 30-day trial software can be downloaded.

Ezphysics.

Ezphysics is an open source software for Windows which allows for 3D simulation and animation in a similar-to-video GA Mes. A set of examples, complete with accessible source code is included. Remote network interactions with the software be possible, and integration with MatLab is also possible.

Simrobot.

Simrobot is developed by Bremen University and used for the autonomous robots. Current version was compatible with Windows, Linux and Mac OS x.

Resources

• Simulation Software, Robot Cafe
• Robotics Simulation software, into robotics
• Robotics software tools, Society of Robots
• Robotics Simulator, Wikipedia

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Most advanced robotics Simulation software overview