Apr 16 2015
MathWorks today announced the introduction of Robotics System Toolbox, a new product as part of Release 2015a. With ready-to-use algorithms and hardware connectivity for developing autonomous mobile robotics applications, Robotics System Toolbox provides an interface and complete integration between MATLAB and Simulink, and the Robot Operating System (ROS).
Now, robotics researchers and engineers can work in a single, integrated design environment to design, test, and deploy robotics algorithms on ROS-enabled robots and robot simulators such as Gazebo and V-REP. This creates more time to focus on design explorations and iterations by reducing the manual rework of conversion from MATLAB to ROS.
Robotics System Toolbox connects MATLAB and Simulink to ROS-enabled robots and simulators (Graphic: Business Wire)
Algorithms offered within Robotics System Toolbox include map representation, path planning, and path following for differential drive robots. Engineers can now design and prototype motor control, computer vision, and state machine applications in MATLAB or Simulink, and they can integrate them with core algorithms in Robotics System Toolbox. Engineers can also generate a ROS node from a Simulink model and deploy it to a ROS network through the automatic C++ code generation support.
Robotics students and educators are already using MATLAB and Simulink to develop algorithms, visualize robot behavior, and analyze log data. Now, they can program a robot or a simulator inside MATLAB and Simulink while continuing to work with MathWorks hardware support packages for robotics hardware.
“Robotics System Toolbox brings the algorithm development and system design capabilities of MATLAB and Simulink to the exciting world of Robotics,” said Sameer Prabhu, industry marketing director, MathWorks. “Researchers, engineers, and students can now develop a variety of mobile robot applications for use in automotive, aerospace, defense, medical, and industrial automation systems in a fully integrated environment featuring MATLAB and Simulink, and ROS-enabled robots and simulators.”
Availability and Pricing:
Robotics System Toolbox is available immediately worldwide. For pricing and more information, visit mathworks.com/products/robotics.