The new robotics package, which allows engineers to use MATLAB and Simulink to design, test and deploy robotic algorithms, provides researchers and engineers with a single, integrated design environment for ‘bot development. According to MathWorks the Robotics System Toolbox can slash development times, which can lead to greater focus on innovation.
Among the many tools present in the Toolbox, MathWorks is keen to highlight the system’s algorithms for map representation, path planning and path following for differential drive robots. To add greater value to these prescribed command sequences, the Toolbox allows engineers to seamlessly develop prototype motor control, computer vision and state machine applications in MATLAB or Simulink.
“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 for 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.”
With this new release we’re seeing a growing trend to simplify the development of robotic behaviors and actions. Will CAD tools like MathWorks’ Robotic System Toolbox lead to faster, more innovative robotic development simply because it’s easier?
Maybe.
But I suspect for a robotics revolution to take off roboticists will need a robust, standard hardware platform to work with. To my knowledge, nothing like that exists. (But do ping me @kylecmaxey if one does exist.)
MathWorks’ Robotic System Toolbox is available immediately.
Source: MathWorks