Why I don't use ROS to program robot arms

Robotics is a rapidly growing field that has the potential to revolutionize our daily lives. As the demand for advanced robotics increases, so does the need for efficient and effective software tools. Robot Operating System (ROS) is a powerful and widely used open-source framework for programming robots. It offers a range of libraries and tools that help with communication between different components and sensors, as well as visualization and simulation. However, despite its popularity, ROS is not without its shortcomings.

One of the biggest challenges with ROS is its steep learning curve. If you're new to ROS, be prepared to invest a significant amount of time into learning the ropes. The platform can be overwhelming, with a range of libraries, tools, and communication protocols that can take some time to master.

Robot Arm Welding

Another major challenge with ROS is managing software packages and dependencies. ROS requires specific packages to be installed to function properly, and managing these packages can be a headache. This makes it hard to share usage between users, jump between projects, and ensure that everyone is using the same versions of packages. This can lead to compatibility issues and hinder productivity, particularly when working on multiple projects simultaneously.

Lastly, one of the biggest drawbacks of ROS is that it can be time-consuming to set up and try out new ideas. Setting up a new experiment or designing a POC for an application can take days or even weeks, which can be frustrating for developers who want to move quickly and iterate rapidly.

In contrast, the Jacobi platform was created with the goal of simplifying the development of complex robot arm applications. It’s easy to install, offers user friendly APIs, and leverages state-of-the-art algorithms for optimal performance.

Want to see how easy it is to program with Jacobi? Try it out Here.

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