Robotics is a fascinating and inclusive field that encompasses elements of engineering and applied computer science to construct machines that can perform specific tasks. Embedded in each robot in this category is software that explains how the robot interprets its environment, the information it processes and how it could respond. This software is built using programming languages, and therefore, the language used in development is critical in any robotic development.
In the following blog, I will discuss about five most important and best programming languages for robotics and how to decide which language is suitable for the necessary project.
Introduction: Why Programming Matters in Robotics
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Robotics programming is crucial because it introduces the automation devices known as robots to their intended roles. In fact, from commanding motors and sensors to applying Artificial Intelligence, programming is the process that takes a passive structure and converts it into an active system capable of communicating with its surroundings.
Many things are changing in society and the economy due to improvements made in robotics, such as automation, automated cars, the IoT and the choice of programming language.
Now that we understand the broad concepts, let’s explore them further and the various flavors of programming languages currently popular in robotics and specific applications.
Best Programming Languages for Robotics
1. Python
Python is the first language that can be identified when talking about robotics, and there are distinct reasons for that. When discussing the merits of MATLAB, we can make the following important points: It has no imperative syntax, is applicable to all types of robotic systems, and has multiple libraries available for use.
Python Programming: Why is Python Used in Robotics
Ease of Learning: Python is also quite easy to learn to code due to its simplicity.
Extensive Libraries: Development libraries such as numPy (for numerical computation), sciKit (for scientific computation) and OpenCV (for computer vision) make it very easy for developers to complete complex tasks.
ROS Compatibility: Unfortunately, the Python language plays a particularly important role in the system, which is known as the Robot Operating System, or ROS—a widely used framework for robotic software.
Real-World Use Cases
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Python has several AI libraries, such as TensorFlow and PyTorch, to work on, which qualifies it for use in the creation of intelligent robots.
Prototyping: Its rapid development capabilities are ideal for prototyping and, indeed, for any project executed quickly.
Vision-Based Robotics: Python works best for computer vision applications like image recognition and object detection.
Moreover, for beginners in robotics programming, Python language is the perfect entry point.
2. C++
Due to its performance and easy interaction with low-level attributes, C++ has become well-known and has become a standard for robotics programming.Due to its stability, the software does not fail to help carry out tasks that need precision at a given time.
Advantages of C++ in Robotics
Real-Time Performance: C++ is highly efficient, which makes it appropriate for demanding applications such as self-driving vehicles and industrial automation.
Direct Hardware Access: This characteristic allows it to modify the robot’s specifics without interfacing with the operating system.
Middleware Integration: C++ is widely used in robotic technologies such as ROS and MoveIt to compute motion planning and control.
Real-World Use Cases
Embedded Systems: C++ is used for solutions involving microcontrollers and embedded systems with programming.
Control Algorithms: Designing minute control programs for vast robotic arms as well as drones.
Autonomous Systems: Such requirements compose applications such as self-driving cars, which require high-speed processing and real-time reaction.
As it is more complex than Python, C++ is the language of choice for professional robot developers.
3. Java
Originally, Java was used for web and enterprise applications; however, due to the platform independency and presence of strong libraries, it also has been adapted for robotics.
Why is Java relevant in Robotics?
Platform Independence: This flexibility means Java can be used on various robotic systems because “Once written, anywhere it can run.”
Networking and GUIs: Java has well-developed libraries that ease the development of network-centric applications and graphical user interfaces (GUIs).
Real-World Use Cases
Middleware and Frameworks: Java is used in middleware like LeJOS, which is a Framework for programming LEGO robots.
Simulation: Tools in robotic simulations and graphical visualization are sometimes implemented using Java-based tools.
IoT Robotics: IoT platforms can easily work with Java due to which, smart and connected robots need Java.
Java is a proven platform due to its stability and documented heritage, and it is well-suited to large-scale robotics solutions.
4. MATLAB
MATLAB, which is devoted to numerical computations and robotic simulations, has won the hearts of academics and researchers.
The Advantages of MATLAB for Robotics
Numerical Computation: MATLAB is specifically designed for operating large datasets and is efficient with large mathematical computations and expressions.
Simulation Tools: Briefly, MATLAB proposes application tools, such as Robotics System Toolbox and Simulink, which facilitate the simulation and evaluation of robotic systems.
Real-World Use Cases
Control Systems Design: MATLAB is utilized in the design and control tests that are used in robots.
Kinematics and Dynamics: This tool can be used to model the kinematics and dynamics of robotic mechanisms in the context of R&D.
Academic Projects: MATLAB is widely used in robotics education as it helps students understand various aspects more easily.
However, in its areas of specialization, no package can truly compete with MATLAB despite its not being widely employed in production systems.
5. R
However, although not a typical robotics language, R has a critical place in data-driven robotics, particularly when statistical analysis is needed.
Where R Excels
Data Analysis: Scatter corrplots are generated using either R’s ggplot2 or lattice packages, both of which are excellent tools for statistical computing.
Predictive Modeling: They let developers build predictive models for robotic decision-making in their machine-learning packages.
Real-World Use Cases
Environmental Robotics: Using massive datasets pickup by drones or self-driving automobiles in ecological research.
Healthcare Robotics: Methods for ingesting data acquired by means of robotic systems in healthcare.
Sensor Data Processing: R refines and clarifies inputs utilized for decision-making to improve the process.
6. Emerging Languages: Rust, JavaScript, and Go
As the robotics field evolves, newer programming languages are finding their place:
Rust: Gaining adoption for the real-time robotics precise market, where safety is critical, Rust offers memory safety with concurrent solutions.
JavaScript: There are certainly pitfalls, and despite these gifts, JavaScript is used in web-based robotics interfaces and IoT projects. Frameworks like Johnny-Five enable developers to control these robots through JavaScript.
Go: Complementing its concise syntax, Go is perfect for robotics projects as it is light, fast, high-performance, and scalable.
These languages are those of the future of robots and have been designed considering upcoming trends such as edge computing and distribution.
How to Choose the Right Programming Language for Your Robotics Project
1. Project Requirements
Hardware Control: For low-level programming languages, the best choice is between C++ and Rust.
AI and Machine Learning: Due to its rich, high-quality libraries, Python stands out as the leading language for integrating Artificial Intelligence into Robotics.
Simulation and Research: MATLAB has included powerful toolboxes in robotics modeling and simulation.
2. Your Skill Level
Newcomers should learn Python because it is relatively easy to learn.
Advanced coders can consider C++ or Rust for increased performance of the application.
3. Community and Resources
Programming languages with a big following, such as Python and C++, have many resources available and many developers to approach for help. These languages are easy to learn and solve.
4. Future Trends
Think about trends in robotics development like edge computing or IoT, which will require mastering languages like Go or Rust.
Conclusion
Programming languages are core to robotics, and there are several programming languages, all with strengths relevant to robotics programming. Although Python and C++ are prominent, languages like Java, MATLAB, and Rust also have crucial functions in specific scopes.
Finally, you and your project decide on the best language to use. If you’re going to start from scratch in robotics programming, start with Python and subsequently venture out to learn other languages. Robotics is a huge and expanding domain, so as we progress through the learning process and development, let the ability to create and envision the robots of the future lead the way.
