Software Update - v1.1.1

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This document provides instructions on updating the software on your Baxter Research Robot to 'rsdk_1.1.1'. All updates and downgrades starting from RSDK 1.1.0 now require the rethink-updater tool installed on the robot itself. This process is therefore run over SSH with the ruser login.

A list of release changes can be found here.

Prerequisites

You will need:

  • A Baxter Research Robot running 1.1.0
  • USB drive (FAT32 formatted, at least 1GB)
  • Update Files from the Rethink FTP
  • Workstation with SSH installed


Note: These instructions are for updating from 1.1.0 to 1.1.1. If updating from version 1.0.0, you should follow the instructions at: Software Update - v1.1.0.


Instructions

I. Download Update Files

  1. Download the Update files from the Rethink FTP Service - Rethink_FTP.
    Your organization's Point-Of-Contact (POC) will receive an email notice, granting access to the new Update folder, and allowing them to create credentials upon first login. More Info
    Note: If you do not have access to the Rethink FTP, simply send a request to the rsdk.support@rethinkrobotics.com email with your contact information, and we will gladly provide access.
    • From the 'Baxter Research Robot 1.1.1 Software' folder:
      Download the compressed gzip file: rethink-update-rsdk_1.1.1.tar.gz
  2. Unzip the Update Files
        $ mkdir updates
        $ tar xvfz rethink-update-rsdk_1.1.1.tar.gz -C updates/
        $ cd updates
    
  3. Copy the update files onto a USB flash drive
    • You may use a normal File Browser or any other method to copy all the files onto a USB drive.
    • Make sure the USB flash drive is formatted as a FAT32 partition.
    • The files should all be placed in the top-level directory of the USB drive (i.e. not in a sub-folder).
        #on the USB drive
        $ ls 
        rethink-rsdk-1.1.1-update.obf
        rethink-rsdk-1.1.1-update.gpg
    
  4. Safely eject the flash drive.

II. Robot Software Version Check

  1. Turn on Baxter.
  2. Start an RSDK Shell on your development workstation.
    Make sure you have edited the baxter.sh script file for your ROS_IP or ROS_HOSTNAME.
        $ cd ~/ros_ws
        $ ./baxter.sh
    
  3. Check the Software Version
    You can check the Software Version of your robot using the following command:
        $ rosparam get /rethink/software_version
        1.1.0.55
    

III. Run the Updater over SSH

Starting from RSDK 1.1.0 all upgrade/downgrade procedures happen over a terminal running SSH as ruser.

  1. Allow robot to fully boot.
  2. Attach any Rethink Electric Grippers to the robot's arms.
    Attaching grippers during the update will enable the automatic update of the Gripper Firmware. Otherwise, you will have to do it by hand.
  3. Plug the USB drive into the USB port on Baxter's torso.
  4. Wait ~30 seconds for the system to recognize and verify the drive.
  5. SSH into your robot as ruser
        $ ssh ruser@<your_robots_hostname_or_ip>
    
  6. (Over SSH) Find the version string for the update Update Primer (Version 1.1.1.171 here) using the Software Update Tool:
  7. Use the --list argument to the rethink-updater tool to list the available updates Baxter found on the USB drive.
        ruser@<your_robots_hostname_or_ip> ~ $ rethink-updater --list
        Version                       
        1.1.1.171
    
  8. Now, to start the actual update process, run the rethink-updater tool again, this time using the --update argument followed by the Version found in the last step for Version 1.1.1.171.
        ruser@<your_robots_hostname_or_ip> ~ $ rethink-updater --update 1.1.1.171
    
    Verify that you have plugged in Baxter's electric grippers, and hit the Enter key when prompted.
  9. This starts the verification and unpacking of the update payload. The status will be printed out as it goes through the required steps, ending in a notification that the robot system will reboot to finish updating.
    • NOTE: During this step, a bunch of text will scroll through on Baxter's screen. This is a good thing and shows that the update is progressing.
    • Once finished, Baxter reboots to the new software and finalizes the update.
  10. Back on your workstation in a baxter.sh sourced terminal, confirm the New Software Version by running:
        [baxter- http://hostname_or_ip:11311] ~ $ rosparam get /rethink/software_version
        1.1.1.171
    
  11. You should see 1.1.1.171 reported back. Congratulations, you have updated your Baxter!

IV. Updating the SDK on the Workstation (git repo)

Along with updating the software on the robot to version rsdk_1.1.1, you will want to update your Workstation-side SDK software from the git repository to the corresponding v1.1.1.

To do this, follow the Workstation Update Instructions. If this is not the latest version you should use the Instructions for Updating to a Specific Version using tag v1.1.1.

FTP Access

Use the login credentials provided to your organization's Point-Of-Contact (POC). Updates to the Robot Software are distributed via the Rethink FTP Service - Hosted~FTP~. Your organization's Point-Of-Contact (POC) will receive an email, notifying them of the new update folder, and allowing them to sign-in using their email address. Note: When a new release occurs, POC's will be granted access to the Hosted~FTP~ via their email address. Credentials are created upon first time sign-in.

Troubleshooting

For common issues specific to using software update with Baxter, check out the Troubleshooting page.

Problems after Reboot

Rebooting after an update can take a few minutes while the controller boards are flashed with new firmware. If you have any problems after reboot - such as the 'Halo' light on Baxter's head flashing Red, or the robot not fully booting with the Green light, even after a significant wait (~10 minutes) - you should try a hard power-cycle:

  • Hit the Power Button on Baxter's side to perform a full power-off shutdown of Baxter.
  • Once all the lights and fans are off and Baxter is completely shutdown, hit the Power Button again to turn Baxter back on.