ROS is an open-source based robot development platform for navigation, manipulation, perception, cognition, etc.. In this framework researchers can be sharing related research resources and algorithms with other researchers around the world. ROS provides users with a stable simulation test platform and large shared knowledge bases of ROS Wiki. It supports many programmable languages, like C++ and Python; Lisp, C#, and Java are gradually implemented. But there are still many difficulties to overcome, like a ROS spec is defined for a robot, not for multiple robots operation. Furthermore ROS interoperates in Ubuntu OS only, and only supports limited functions in Windows and Mac OS. The communication is not immediate and will cause a control delay. ROS is a trial platform, but unstable operation, failed to meet the requirements of an enterprise-grade solution and the ROS standard does not cover data protective actions.
To overcome these difficulties Vecow and MOV.AI are collaborating to provide an integrated AMR solution containing the Vecow ECX-1000 Series Workstation-grade Fanless System and the MOV.AI Robotics Engine Platform. The partnership aims to help AMR manufacturers with an integrated computing and software platform that speeds up AMR development and deployment. Highlights of VHub ROS are a Visual Integrated Development Environment (IDE). User can easy edit the UI and drag the items to build any elements of robotics needs. The solution offers built-in algorithm training (3D SLAM, AMCL, Navigation, Obstacle Avoidance, Object Detection) and an open systems architecture, so developer can integrate third-party technology. Multiple robots management and monitoring, supports ERP/WMS/IOT integrations of any third-party system, and data encryption security protection. A built-in 3D simulation function allows to show a 3D map of the on-site environment. With this function users can simulate if the robot performs tasks according to the planned route.
