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Robobo framework

The Robobo framework allows to program the robot from a computer, running Windows, MAC or Linux. The only requirement is that both, the computer and the Robobo's smartphone, must be connected to the same WI-FI network.

The framework is organized into three skill levels: Scratch3 blocks for starting programmers, Python libraries for intermediate ones, and ROS libraries for advanced users. All these libraries and tools are completely open-source.





Scratch 3

If you are interested in block-based programming, you can use our Scratch 3 extension to program Robobo from a PC, laptop or tablet using simple blocks. This programming is carried out through a standard web browser, making Robobo compatible with any operating system. We have developed more than 30 Scratch blocks in this extension that allow you to exploit your Smartphone's capabilities in a very simple way: face and color detection, speech production, tactile interaction, motor control, etc.

You can check our Robobo Scratch programming manual in the following link:

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Python

Once students have developed starting level programs with Scratch 3, they should move to text-based programming to continue with their formation in intelligent robotics. To this end, we have libraries for two very popular programming language Python. To help teachers and students in the transition between block-based to text-based programming, we have developed specific teaching units.

You can check our Python documentation in the following link:

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ROS

For advanced users, University and research mainly, we have created a wiki page where you can download ROS libraries, and check our reference guide with the configuration examples.

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Smartphone application

What do you need to start programming Robobo? First of all, you need to install our free Robobo app in your Smartphone, and then, connect it to your Robobo base through Bluetooth. Then, you can program the robot using Scratch 3, Python or ROS.

This app communicates the Smartphone with the base, and the Smartphone with the computer.

Scratch 3 and Python

The Robobo app, available at Google Play, must be downloaded and installed if you aim to program Robobo using Scratch 3 and Python. It does not only allow you to program Robobo, but also provides utilities to modify the configuration of the robot (language, camera calibration, etc.), update the Robobo base firmware wirelessly via Bluetooth, and start a demo program that shows many of the capabilities of the robot.













App for ROS

The Robobo Developer app, available at Google Play, must be downloaded and installed if you aim to program Robobo using ROS. It allows you to program Robobo as a remote ROS node, and it also provides a utility to update the Robobo base firmware wirelessly via Bluetooth.



Sample projects

Robobo includes a set of sample projects to start working and playing and, more importantly, learning in an easy to follow stepwise manner. This way you can familiarize yourself with the building blocks of autonomous robotics and the endless possibilities of this platform.






Simulators

In our wiki we have three Robobo simulation models adapted to your level. If you are programming with Scratch or are new to Python, we recommend the Unity-based simulator. If you already master Python, your best option is CoppeliaSim. And if you are an expert programmer, the best is Gazebo and ROS. For all three simulators we have several worlds created in which you can program Robobo and develop your own programs. We include different elements with which the robot can interact to make the development more interesting. Visit our wiki and don’t hesitate to try them out.