What is the best simulation tool for robotics? This is a hard question to answer because many people (or their companies) specialize in one tool or another. Some simulators are better at one aspect of robotics than at others. When Im asked to recommend the best simulation tool for robotics I have to find an expert and hope that they are current and across a wide range of simulation tools in order to give me the best advice, which was why I took particular note of the recent review paper from Australias CSIRO, A Review of Physics Simulators for Robotics Applications by Jack Collins, Shelvin Chand, Anthony Vanderkop, and David Howard, published in IEEE Access (Volume: 9).
We have compiled a broad review of physics simulators for use within the major fields of robotics research. More specifically, we navigate through key sub-domains and discuss the features, benefits, applications and use-cases of the different simulators categorised by the respective research communities. Our review provides an extensive index of the leading physics simulators applicable to robotics researchers and aims to assist them in choosing the best simulator for their use case.
Simulation underpins robotics because its cheaper, faster and more robust than real robots. While there are some guides that benchmark simulators against real world tasks there isnt a comprehensive review. A more thorough review can address gaps and needs in research and research challenges for simulation. The authors focus on seven sub-domains: Mobile Ground Robotics; Manipulation; Medical Robotics; Marine Robotics; Aerial Robotics; Soft Robotics and Learning for Robotics.
Im going to cut to the chase and provide a copy of the final comparison tables of each sub-domain but for anyone interested in utilizing these recommendations, then I recommend reading the rationale behind the rankings in the full review article. The authors also consider whether or not a simulator is actively supported. Handy to know! And the paper is also an excellent source of information about various historic and current robotics competitions.
TABLE 1 Feature Comparison Between Popular Robotics Simulators
TABLE 2 Feature Comparison Between Popular Robotics Simulators Used for Mobile Ground Robotics
TABLE 3 Feature Comparison for Popular Robotics Simulators Used for Manipulation
TABLE 4 Feature Comparison of Popular Robotics Simulators Used for Medical Robotics
TABLE 5 Feature Comparison of Popular Simulators Used for Marine Robotics
TABLE 6 Feature Comparison of Popular Simulators Used for Aerial Robotics
TABLE 7 Feature Comparison of Popular Simulators Used for Soft Robotics
TABLE 8 Feature Comparison of Popular Simulators Used in Learning for Robotics
As robotics makes more use of deep learning, simulators that can deal with data on the fly become necessary, and also a potential solution for simulation problems regarding points of contact or collisions. Rather than utilize multiple simulation methods to make a clearer abstraction of the real world in these boundary situations, the answer may be to insert neural networks trained to replicate the properties of difficult phenomena into the simulator. There is further discussion on differentiable simulation, levels of abstraction and the expansion of libraries, plug-ins, toolsets, benchmarking and algorithmic integration, all increasing both the utility and complexity of simulation for robotics.
As the field of simulation for robotics grows, so does the need for metrics that capture the accuracy of the real world representation. Finally, we predict that we will see further research into estimating and modeling uncertainty of simulators.
This may have been the first review article on simulation for robotics but hopefully not the last. Theres a clear need to study and measure the field. I found the sections on soft robotics and learning for robotics particularly interesting, as the paper discussed the difficulties of simulation in these fields. And please attribute any errors in this summary to my mistakes. Read the full review here: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9386154
Page(s):51416 51431
Date of Publication:25 March 2021
Electronic ISSN:2169-3536
Publisher:IEEE
Funding Agency:
Data61 Ph.D. Scholarships;10.13039/501100001793-Queensland University of Technology (QUT) through the Centre for Robotics;CSIROs CERC Postdoctoral Program;
guest author
Excerpt from:
What is the best simulation tool for robotics? - Robohub
- Gene Haas Foundation Partner Hosts FIRST Robotics District Competitions - Kettering University - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- NASA Showcases Innovations at the 2024 FIRST Robotics World Championships - NASA - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- Robots are invading the San Carlos Branch Library - San Diego Community Newspaper Group - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- Wyoming-Based Company Makes High-Tech Robots To Go Where Humans Don't Want To - Cowboy State Daily - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- Anzu Robotics launches U.S.-based clone of DJI Mavic 3 - Robot Report - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute begins developing drones to fight wildfires - CBS Pittsburgh - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- 3 Robotics Stocks That Could Be Multibaggers in the Making: Spring Edition - MSN - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- Hopkinton teams advance to Robotics World Championships - Hopkinton Independent - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- "Big Cat Robotics" team from Wellsville returns from VRC World Championship - THE WELLSVILLE SUN - THE WELLSVILLE SUN - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- PropStream-Sponsored Robotics Team Places in Competition - RisMedia.com - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- Bellefontaine Robotics Team Travels to World Championship Peak of Ohio - peakofohio.com - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- ASL Aviation Holdings Inks Deal with Reliable Robotics for 30 Aircraft Autonomy Systems - Business Wire - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- Global Nano Robotics Market Projected to Surge to US$ 19.86 Billion by 2032: Healthcare Trends Catalyzing Nano ... - GlobeNewswire - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- 'Afghan Dreamers' | Film about Afghan girls robotics team to be screened on May 15 - Piedmont Exedra - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- 3 Robotics Stocks That Could Be Multibaggers in the Making: Spring Edition - InvestorPlace - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- The Rise of the Navy Robots - Signal Magazine - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- Elon Musk Keeps Talking About the Future of Robotics With Optimus, but This Phenomenal Growth Stock Has Already ... - The Motley Fool - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- Robosen Robotics Teams Up with Hasbro to Debut the Worlds First Auto-Converting Decepticon Megatron! - aNb Media - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- John P. Stevens Robotics Team Wins Excellence in Technology at Innovators Awards - TAPinto.net - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- Nala Robotics and Re-Up partner to develop AI-powered robotic chef - Robotics and Automation News - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- LCSD1 to Host Final Robotics Competition of the School Year Tomorrow - The Cheyenne Post - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- GMV showcases its robotic inspection capabilities Robotics & Automation News - Robotics and Automation News - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- Trine's armored robot finishes 4th in national combat - Trine University - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- Female robotics founders discuss their journeys in the industry - Robot Report - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- Hanwha Robotics, B-Robotics join hands on restaurant automation project - Aju Press - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- Dishchii'bikoh Community School Robotics Team Heads to VEX World Championship - White Mountain Independent - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- ETH unveils space-hopping robot for asteroid exploration - Robotics and Automation News - May 5th, 2024 [May 5th, 2024]
- Nickelytics and Starship release robots at UCLA and Utah universities - Robotics and Automation News - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Next-Level Robotics: Enhancing Accuracy with Advanced Multisensory Interfaces - AZoRobotics - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Death of Lake Orion teen on robotics trip determined to be suicide, Houston police say - Detroit News - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Niqo Robotics Raises $9 Million In Funding Round Led By Brida Innovation Ventures: Report - Outlook India - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Mission to 'Holy Grail of Shipwrecks' Will Employ Robotics - USNI News - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Kiwibot acquires Auto Mobility Solutions Robotics & Automation News - Robotics and Automation News - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Untethered soft actuators for soft standalone robotics - Nature.com - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Robotics in the restaurant industry are here to stay: Carlos Gazitua - Fox Business - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- It's time for UK business to embrace robotics - Design Products & Applications - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Meet the `One Percenters' - The Top Ranked Robotics Group from Franklin - Franklin Observer - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Atlas, forefather of humanoid robots, gives way to next generation - Marketplace - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- BlueBotics releases new version of its server fleet management software - Robotics and Automation News - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- U.S. manufacturers invested heavily in robotics in 2023, finds IFR - Robot Report - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- This is a unique time: ARK Invests chief futurist tackles tech innovation from AI to robotics - CNBC - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- U.S. Companies Invest Heavily in Robots - IFR Preliminary Results EMSNow - EMSNow - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- MiR launches new autonomous mobile forklift-type robot - Robotics and Automation News - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Rutland Area Robotics' IBOTS compete in FIRST World Championships finals for first time - Rutland Herald - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Micropsi Industries introduces new AI-vision software Robotics & Automation News - Robotics and Automation News - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Robots on a Roll: The Future of Farming Is Here Now - Growing Produce - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Grand Force, Grand Forks' only FIRST Robotics team, returns from world championship with good memories - Grand Forks Herald - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Reston Robotics Team Wins National Competition At Tech Conference - Patch - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- CapSen Robotics Introduces CapSen PiC 2.0 Bin-Picking Software - Supply and Demand Chain Executive - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Gecko Robotics and Al Masaood Energy Partner to Help ADNOC Gas Revolutionize Asset Operations and ... - Business Wire - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Vention Launches New Cloud-Robotic and AI Capabilities to Accelerate the Design and Deployment of Robot Cells - InvestorsObserver - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Inside Wilsonville High School's robotics team - KGW.com - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Talking AUTOMATE 2024 with TM Robotics | RoboticsTomorrow - Robotics Tomorrow - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Advancing obstetric and gynecologic surgery through robotic innovation - Contemporary Obgyn - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- On the Horizon: A Robot to Assist ALS Patients | RoboticsTomorrow - Robotics Tomorrow - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Robots can use air to move objects - Earth.com - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Plymouth Robotics Team 586E takes 6th place VEX Robotics World Championship in Dallas, TX - WTCA - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- These flying origami-inspired robots change shape in mid-air - Engadget - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- Industrial Robotics Market Size To Reach USD 94.8 Billion By 2032 ... - GlobeNewswire - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- ForwardX Robotics and DHL Collaborate To support Expansion - PR Newswire - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- Dexterity AI and FedEx Unveil First-of-its-Kind Robotics Trailer ... - Robotics Tomorrow - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- Newton High Schools Team Aperture attends super bowl of robotics - New Jersey Education Association - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- Exoskeleton Report eMagazine: The Latest in Wearable Robotics ... - Exoskeleton Report - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- 12.5m for robotics and automation to boost sustainable farming - GOV.UK - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- Robotics As A Service (RaaS) Market size to increase by USD 1.50 ... - PR Newswire - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- Learn how to create socially intelligent robots at RoboBusiness - Robot Report - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- Monument Health Welcomes Two New Robotics-Trained General ... - Newscenter1.tv - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- 3D-Printed Robotic Gripper Works Without Electronics - Design News - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- WVU Today | WVU researcher to help send swarm of marine robots ... - WVU Today - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- Using robotics & AI to reduce water - Times of India - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- We need a new social contract for the coming golden age of robotics - Big Think - July 2nd, 2023 [July 2nd, 2023]
- The Intersection of Autonomous Robotics and Solar Panel Cleaning ... - EnergyPortal.eu - July 2nd, 2023 [July 2nd, 2023]
- RoboCat: Google DeepMind's innovative leap into AI-powered ... - The Jerusalem Post - July 2nd, 2023 [July 2nd, 2023]
- Seen at HIMSS: the latest innovations in artificial intelligence, mixed ... - Kevin MD - July 2nd, 2023 [July 2nd, 2023]
- KEENON Robotics Empowers Future of Hotel Experiences as ... - PR Newswire - July 2nd, 2023 [July 2nd, 2023]
- Brief Overview of Investing in Robotics in 2023 - Analytics Insight - July 2nd, 2023 [July 2nd, 2023]
- Greek post office makes further commitment to Robotics parcel ... - Post and Parcel - July 2nd, 2023 [July 2nd, 2023]
- Robotic glove that 'feels' lends a 'hand' to relearn playing piano after ... - Science Daily - July 2nd, 2023 [July 2nd, 2023]
- 'Bionic professor' aims to transform the field of wearable robotics - University of Toronto - July 2nd, 2023 [July 2nd, 2023]
- The Advantages of Adopting Robotics for Energy Infrastructure ... - EnergyPortal.eu - July 2nd, 2023 [July 2nd, 2023]