shaun, thanks for your input (although I think you meant October 2011), and for the link to the updated web page. It's good to know that robot suppliers, as well as end-users, are showing interest in this open-source program.
The ROS-Industrial program started in October 2012, so it is still in the early stages. In this short time we have demonstrated capabilities that just aren't available from the commercial robot vendors (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h54YzGIZFt4 ). These early demonstrations have generated a lot of interest from end-users to even robot suppliers. The ROS-Industrial software can benefit all the different types of businesses in the industrial market. End-users will be able to employ ROS-Industrial in new robotic applications. Integrators will leverage common and powerful tools that lower integration cost and increase efficiency. Finally, the robot suppliers will see increased market size from the new applications that ROS-Industrial enables, while at the same time they can focus on the more important value added aspects like support, ease of use, and reliability. Following other successful open-source models, the ROS-Industrial Consortium, consisting of commercial, government, and academic members, is being initiated fund the continued development of ROS-Industrial. For more info: http://www.swri.org/4org/d10/msd/automation/ros-industrial-consortium.htm
Mydesign, this ROS-Industrial effort is quite new, so no open source software exists yet in this application. However, ROS itself, on which ROS-Industrial is based, has been around about four or five years. The Wikipedia article is a good intro:
I agree, Beth--that seems to be the usual trajectory. It will be very interesting to see how this plays out, and whether this proprietary vs open standards situation resembles others so far.
I think the first reaction to any open source movement by established players is to dig in their heels, especially since they have typically sunk millions of dollars into R&D for their proprietary platforms. The truth is, though, they go where the market is. If those building industrial robots for medical or whatever applications gravitate to the open source stuff, the big players will eventually follow with some kind of support.
Charles, if they have a fear that open source software can dilute the monopolistic nature of business, obliviously objections may come. I don't know the story of wind river against Linux, but now they are offering Wind river for Linux.
Beth, one more area where our open source software is dominating. Am not sure so far any open source software's are used for robotic program in extensive mode. But am sure that this consortium can help to create more innovative developments in the same area.
Chuck, I think ROS and definitely ROS-Industrial are all too new for the larger industrial robot companies to have much reaction yet. I plan to follow that up, although I'm finding it difficult to get input. Meanwhile, I think the main point here is letting smaller companies that want to get into robotics do so by giving them some leverage. But your point is well taken--I also remember that reaction to Linux--and I wouldn't be surprised if there is resistance among the larger companies that have done their own internal proprietary development all this time.
Good point, naperlou. Just because someone someone wants to "pick their own" for quality, cost and customization, doesn't mean they they won't want support after the sale.
Ann, has there been resistance from propietary software developers on this? I remember when Linux starting gaining momentum and Jerry Fiddler of Wind River repeatedly referred to Linux as a "phantasm," before his company finally gave in to the movement.
With LEDs dropping in price virtually every year, automakers have begun employing them, not only on luxury vehicles, but on entry-level models, as well.
The 3D printing revolution seems to have a knack for quickly moving technology ahead by way of collaborative effort and even a little friendly competition -- all of course in the name of scientific advancement.
Advantech has launched a new series of motion-control I/O modules to meet the increased demands that come with more distributed industrial systems that require control of a growing number of axes and devices.
Using almost 200 light-emitting diodes in the front and back of the new 2014 CTS, Cadillac designers are showing how LEDs can change the character of a vehicle.
From Dell / Intel® New Paradigms in Design Work Scott Hamilton, vertical market strategist for Dell Precision workstations, 5/2/2013 3
Early in my career, I worked as a draftsman and remember the days of drawing on vellum with numbered pencils and Mylar with plastic lead. This was a fun experience in the sense that I ...
I've been using workstations for more than 10 years and love finding ways to get more performance from my system. With demanding professional applications that require more power each ...
A lasting memory from my first job as an engineer in an auto assembly plant is standing on hard concrete at six in the morning, vending-machine coffee clutched in hand, listening to ...
A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
To save this item to your list of favorite Design News content so you can find it later in your Profile page, click the "Save It" button next to the item.
If you found this interesting or useful, please use the links to the services below to share it with other readers. You will need a free account with each service to share an item via that service.
Tweet This
0 
