In general terms, simulation is a process to develop a virtual model capable of emulating the real-world process. Applied in robotics, the simulation process is used to create a virtual model of a robot including the design and programming code.
Most popular robotics simulation software are used in 3D modeling and rendering in a virtual environment that imitate the real environment of the robot. For example, we can simulate a robotic vacuum cleaner in a house. First, we have to build a virtual model of the robot that will be used in a virtual model of a house. This simulation includes at least two main 3D virtual models: a model for robot and a model for the rooms. Other objects like a chair, a bed, a sofa, etc. should be also simulated since the robot should avoid the collision with these objects. A complete simulation includes the programming code that will be installed in the physical model of the robot.
Robotics Simulation Softwares (photo source cyberbotics.com)
The first step involved in developing a robot should be the simulation. It allows developers to test the programming code and check the mechanical design according to design proposal request. Since the simulation is not depending on the physical model, the virtual model of the robot could be modified without additional costs.
Based on mathematical formulas, the simulator builds virtual objects with a very close behavior than the final product. This is one of the biggest advantages of simulation.
In 90s, two companies have collaborated to design the first commercial robotic simulation software. These two companies were Deneb Robotics and Tecnomatix Technologies. The software was used to solve complex design and programming robots. Since then, simulator robotics products have caught the attention. With many more features, simulation software used today have an extensive simulation capability. Any user can manage the design and can associate this with manufacturing process.
Advantages and disadvantages of simulation
Any technology has its advantages and disadvantages. Using simulation tools to design robots is a simple and cheap method to build complex robots. Among advantages include low costs, any advanced simulation tools offer the possibility to simulate the robot in different scenarios, programming code can be tested to determine the compatibility with specifications required, and the list goes on. Disadvantages include programming problem that cannot cover all scenarios that may occur in the real world.
Advantages
- Low costs to produce a robot from scratch;
- Programming code can be tested according to specifications;
- Robot design can be modified without costs;
- Any robot part can be tested;
- In a complex project the robot can be simulated in stages;
- A complete simulation can determine if the robot meet the specifications;
- Almost all simulations software are compatible with a wide range of programming languages;
- Elapsed time between the start of the project and its completion can be shortened;
Disadvantages
- The real world may subject the robot at too many more scenarios than a virtual world;
- All simulation programs simulate what are programmed to simulate;
Robotics Simulation Software List
There are many tools that can be used in simulation. From free simulation tools to software with paid license on it, below you can find a complete list with all robotics simulation softwares.
01. Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio
Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio (MRDS) is free 3D simulation software designed by Microsoft with support for a wide range of sensors and other robotics platforms. The platform is compatible with all Windows OS versions and it could be used with C# Visual Studio 2010 to create new services for RDS. MRDS offers support to simulate service robots including Kinect technology. Microsoft in collaboration with Parallax design a robotic platform called Eddie used for creativity, innovation and experimentation.
02. RoboLogix
RoboLogix is 3D industrial simulation software developed by Logic Design. The platform was designed to be used in real-world emulation for robotics applications with five-axis industrial robot. The program installed on robot can be developed and tested in a range of practical applications. The platform offers support for a wide range of industrial robots including ABB, Fanuc and Kawasaki.
03. Anykode
Anykode is 3D compatible software with support for service robotics simulation. The tool is Windows and Linux compatible and offers a high-level of reality. A wide range of sensors and actuators with real properties are available to be used in simulation. The platform can be used in education purpose as well as researchers or by engineers.
04. Webots
Webots is 3D simulation platform developed by Cyberbotics and used in service and industrial simulations. The tool is Windows, Linux and Apple compatible. Webots is one of the most used simulation software in education or research purposes. A robot can be modeled, programmed and simulated in C, C++, Java, Python, Matlab, or URBI. The software is compatible with external libraries like OpenCV.
05. Roboguide
Roboguide, a software compatible and developed by Fanuc Robots. The platform was designed to be used to simulate in virtual environments the behavior of Fanuc industrial robots. The tool is 3D compatible and the program developed can be downloaded in the physical model of the robot.
06. MotoSim
MotoSim is a 3D industrial simulator dedicated to Motoman industrial robots. The simulator was designed to be used for industrial optimization process for Motoman robotic arms used in industry.
07. RobotExpert
RobotExpert is a 3D simulation tool designed to simulate in an accurate environment the Siemens industrial robots. Is an intuitive program used to design and modeling workcells as well as robots and mechanisms.
08. RobotStudio
RobotStudio is an industrial simulator tool developed by ABB. The software allows very realistic simulations scenarios for ABB industrial robots as well as real robot programs and configuration files.
09. RobotSim
RobotSim is a virtual development tool designed by Cogmation Robotics and Microsoft Windows XP compatible. Is 3D compatible and used with a suite of software developed by the same company, RobotSim is a powerful tool to design and build service robots.
10. SimplyCube
SimplyCube was designed to provide realistic simulations for service robots in 3D. Using a 3D editor the user can develop rich 3D scene when the robot behavior can be simulated.
11. Workspace
Workspace is 3D compatible software for industrial services simulations developed by WAT Solutions. The platform support programming languages from a wide range of industrial robots manufacturers including ABB, Fanu, Mitsubishi, and many others.
12. WorkCellSimulator
WorkCellSimulator is 3D industrial simulation software developed by IT Robotics srl based in Italy. The tool can be used in simulation for at least packaging, sorting, or laser cutting applications.
13. AX On Desk
AX On Desk is industrial simulator software developed by Nachi, a Japanese robotic automation solutions company. Windows OS compatible, the platform was designed for 3D industrial robots using accurate simulations in a realistic looking work cells.
14. RoboWorks
RoboWorks is 3D simulation tool developed by Newtonium. The software can be used to simulate in a virtual 3D world the behavior for industrial and service robotics. RobotWorks offer support for ‘C/C++’, C/C++ interpreter Ch, VB, VB.NET, LabView, etc.
15. Blender
Blender is a powerful tool to design and simulate service robots in complex environments. The platform is compatible with Windows (XP, Vista, 7), Linux, OS X, FreeBSD, and Sun. With 3D content support, Blender is one of the most advanced design tool that can be used to simulate in virtual worlds the behavior of the robots.
16. Gazebo
Gazebo is a multi-robot simulator with support for a wide range of sensors and objects. The software is ROS compatible along with many others Willow Garage robotics platforms.
17. Simbad
Simbad is a scientific and educational Java programming language simulator. The software has a real support for artificial intelligence used in service robots. It could be used on Mac Os X , Windows XP and some Linux distributions.
18. Lpzrobots
Lpzrobots is a 3D physically realistic robot simulator designed in labs of Leipzig University. Full compatible with Linux OS, the tool can be used especially in education and research purposes.
19. Ezphysics
Ezphysics is a 3D compatible simulator with embed objects support. Is a 3D simulation tool closed to games where robots are brought to life.
20. V-REP
Designed by Coppelia Robotics, V-rep is one of the most advanced 3D simulators for industrial robots. The tool is C/C++, Python, Java, Lua, Matlab or Urbi compatible. From algorithm developing to automation simulations, the platform is used in education as well by engineers for remote monitoring or safety double-checking.
21. EASY-ROB
Easy-Rob is a 3D simulation platform based on idea to “Robotics Made Easy”.
22. AristoSim
AristoSim is an intuitive simulator and programming platform used for industrial robotics simulators. The platform can be used offline as well as online mode.
23. Morse
Morse is a 3D simulator tool used to design and develop service robots. The tool is especially used in education with focus on simulation of small to large environments, indoor or outdoor.
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January 27, 2013 at 4:30 pm
this is the greatest and completed list that I found with simulation softwares. until now i simulate some robots with mrds and webots.
February 24, 2013 at 2:36 pm
Impressive collection with simulation softwares. Many thanks, I found all these tools in the same place