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Completed TRL 5 (started at 4, targeting 6)
The purpose of this project is to develop a Robot Operating System 2 (ROS2) compatible software library that dramatically simplifies development of robotic and autonomous systems in a research and development (R&D) environment. It will allow faster prototyping and testing of autonomous systems and robotics. The project leverages our expertise using the ROS2 framework to develop and publish a library of common utilities and functions that dramatically increase the speed of development within ROS2. These tools will allow engineers and scientists to focus on their research, and less on the overhead of software development needs for robotics. It will allow more rapid testing and prototyping cycles for robotic systems, including surface excavation and construction demonstrations while reducing development time and associated cost. The tools to be implemented are the result of years of experience and use of ROS2 in a research environment, and a deep understanding of where the workflow could be improved and streamlined to support rapid prototyping.
The completion of the software library will result in faster development and testing, more maintainable and readable code, and robust collaboration and synchronization features when using robotic systems with multiple operators. Use of the software library will dramatically reduce the development effort and complex overhead that is typical of robotics software development. The software library will allow robotics developers to quickly develop rich, interactive graphical user interfaces (GUI) for real time control, tuning, and configuration of robotics software stacks using the ROS2 framework. The library will lay groundwork for future development and be modular in nature, encouraging further future improvements.
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This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
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