Contents
Overview
Gazebo
Gazebo is a multi-robot simulator in a 3-dimensional world. It comes with advanced plugin interfaces that
can be used to simulate the sensor feedback and plausible interactions between objects. Robots and other
objects can be modeled into gazebo using their SDF. Apart from these, there are standard models
available within gazebo that can be used with custom models. If you would like to dive deeper into the world
of Gazebo itself, there are tutorials at gazebosim.org.
Baxter with Gazebo
Baxter is modeled into gazebo using its URDF. Controller plugins like block laser, point laser,
and cameras are used to simulate the sonar, IR and the cameras on Baxter. The simulator can be
used in conjunction with the rviz and moveit as with the real robot. The following pages will
bring you up to speed with Baxter in simulation.
- Simulator Installation
- Simulator Architecture
- Simulator API
- Simulator Code Examples
- Gripper Customization
- Gazebo Troubleshooting
Screencap: Above is an image of the IK Pick and Place demo.
Important: The simulator supports ROS Indigo and Gazebo 2.2 by default. See Release 0.8.1 for end-of-life ROS Groovy support.
FAQs
Do I need to learn Gazebo to work with the Baxter simulator?
No, you do not need to learn Gazebo. Basic ROS knowledge should suffice to get you started.
Do I need a Baxter robot to use the simulator?
No, the simulator is now part of the Open Source Baxter Research Robot SDK, so a robot is not required (but recommended!).
Does this version work with ROS-Hydro?
Currently, Baxter simulator is officially supported only in ROS-Indigo, but you are welcome try Hydro and report your results to the community :)
Is this simulator built using the same SDK software running on the real Baxter?
No, the SDK interfaces were only simulated.
I am an advanced user of Gazebo, how can I contribute to the Baxter community
We would love to see the controllers and other features that you have developed for Baxter.
