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Sebastian Thrun, Julia Chernushevich, Karim Chamaa, and David Silver
Discover how ROS provides a flexible and unified software environment for developing robots in a modular and reusable manner. Learn how to manage existing ROS packages within a project, and how to write ROS Nodes of your own in C++.

What's inside

Syllabus

Obtain an architectural overview of the Robot Operating System Framework and setup your own ROS environment in the Udacity Workspace.
Learn about ROS workspace structure, essential command line utilities, and how to manage software packages within a project. Harnessing these will be key to building shippable software using ROS.
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ROS Nodes are a key abstraction that allows a robot system to be built modularly. In this lesson, you'll learn how to write them using C++.
Design and build a mobile robot, and house it in your world. Then, program your robot with C++ nodes in ROS to chase white colored balls!

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops foundational knowledge in ROS, which is standard in the robotics industry
Taught by Sebastian Thrun, a highly respected figure in the AI field
Harnessing ROS essentials for building shippable software, a core skill for robotics engineers
The course's practical focus, with hands-on labs and coding assignments, ensures learners can apply their knowledge
Requires prior C++ programming experience, which may limit accessibility for complete beginners

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in ROS Essentials with these activities:
Review basic ROS concepts
Refresh your understanding of fundamental ROS concepts before starting the course.
Browse courses on ROS
Show steps
  • Read the ROS documentation on topics such as ROS nodes, topics, and services.
  • Watch introductory videos or tutorials on ROS.
  • Try out some simple ROS examples to practice using the basic concepts.
Practice ROS commands in a terminal
Become familiar with the basic ROS commands and how to use them to interact with your ROS environment.
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Show steps
  • Open a terminal window and navigate to your ROS workspace.
  • Run the 'roscore' command to start the ROS master.
  • Run the 'rostopic list' command to see a list of available ROS topics.
  • Run the 'rostopic echo /chatter' command to see the messages being published to the '/chatter' topic.
Create a compilation of ROS resources
Organize and expand your knowledge of ROS by curating a collection of useful resources.
Browse courses on ROS
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  • Gather a variety of ROS resources, including tutorials, documentation, blog posts, and videos.
  • Organize the resources into a coherent structure, such as by topic or skill level.
  • Create a document or website to share your compilation with others.
  • Update and maintain your compilation over time to keep it current and relevant.
Five other activities
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Show all eight activities
Create a ROS package for a simple robot
Gain hands-on experience with creating and using ROS packages by designing a ROS package for a simple robot.
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  • Create a new ROS package using the 'catkin_create_pkg' command.
  • Add the necessary files to your package, including a CMakeLists.txt file, a package.xml file, and a node.cpp file.
  • Write the code for your ROS node in the node.cpp file.
  • Build your ROS package using the 'catkin_make' command.
  • Launch your ROS node using the 'roslaunch' command.
Follow a tutorial on ROS navigation
Develop a deeper understanding of ROS navigation by following a comprehensive tutorial.
Browse courses on ROS
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  • Find a reputable tutorial on ROS navigation.
  • Follow the steps in the tutorial to set up the necessary software and hardware.
  • Implement the ROS navigation algorithm in your own code.
  • Test your ROS navigation algorithm in a simulated environment.
  • Deploy your ROS navigation algorithm on a real robot.
Attend a ROS workshop
Gain exposure to advanced ROS concepts and techniques by participating in a hands-on workshop.
Browse courses on ROS
Show steps
  • Find a reputable ROS workshop that aligns with your interests.
  • Register for the workshop and make the necessary arrangements to attend.
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate in the activities.
  • Ask questions, take notes, and network with other attendees.
  • Follow up with the workshop organizers or attendees after the workshop to continue learning and networking.
Contribute to a ROS open-source project
Enhance your understanding of ROS and contribute to the community by making a contribution to a ROS open-source project.
Browse courses on ROS
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  • Find a reputable ROS open-source project that aligns with your interests and skills.
  • Review the project's documentation and code to familiarize yourself with the project.
  • Identify an area where you can make a contribution to the project.
  • Implement your contribution and submit a pull request to the project's repository.
  • Work with the project maintainers to get your pull request merged.
Mentor a junior ROS developer
Deepen your understanding of ROS and help others learn by mentoring a junior ROS developer.
Browse courses on ROS
Show steps
  • Find a junior ROS developer who is looking for a mentor.
  • Establish regular communication and set clear goals for the mentorship.
  • Provide guidance and support on ROS concepts and best practices.
  • Review the junior developer's code and provide feedback.
  • Encourage the junior developer to ask questions and seek help when needed.

Career center

Learners who complete ROS Essentials will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Robotics Software Engineer
Robotics Software Engineers are responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of software for robots. ROS Essentials is a recommended course for those seeking a career in robotics software engineering. This course provides a foundation in the Robot Operating System (ROS), which is a widely-used open-source software framework for robot development. ROS Essentials includes instruction on ROS architecture, workspace structure, essential command line utilities, software package management, and the use of ROS nodes in C++. Overall, this course is expected to be highly beneficial for aspiring Robotics Software Engineers.
Robotics Systems Engineer
Robotics Systems Engineers are responsible for the design, development, and integration of robotic systems. ROS Essentials is a foundational course for those pursuing a career in robotics systems engineering. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the Robot Operating System (ROS), which is an essential framework for the development and deployment of robotic systems. This course particularly focuses on the use of ROS in C++, enabling students to build modular and reusable software components for robotics systems.
Mechatronics Engineer
Mechatronics Engineers combine mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering to design and develop robotic systems. ROS Essentials is a valuable course for those aiming to become Mechatronics Engineers. This course provides a foundation in the Robot Operating System (ROS), which is widely used in the development of robotic systems. Through hands-on exercises, students will gain proficiency in ROS architecture, software package management, and node programming in C++. This course complements the interdisciplinary skills required for a successful career in Mechatronics Engineering.
Robotics Researcher
Robotics Researchers conduct research and development in the field of robotics. ROS Essentials serves as a robust foundation for those aspiring to become Robotics Researchers. This course provides a thorough understanding of the Robot Operating System (ROS), which is a critical framework for the research and development of robotic systems. The course covers topics such as ROS architecture, workspace structure, package management, and node programming in C++. These skills are fundamental for conducting research and advancing the field of robotics.
Autonomous Systems Engineer
Autonomous Systems Engineers are responsible for the design, development, and testing of autonomous systems, including robots. ROS Essentials is a valuable course for those aspiring to become Autonomous Systems Engineers. This course provides a foundation in the Robot Operating System (ROS), which is widely used in the development of autonomous systems. The course covers topics such as ROS architecture, workspace structure, package management, and node programming in C++. These skills are essential for the successful development and deployment of autonomous systems.
Robotics Applications Developer
Robotics Applications Developers are responsible for developing software applications for robotic systems. ROS Essentials is a highly recommended course for those seeking a career as a Robotics Applications Developer. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the Robot Operating System (ROS), which is a widely-used framework for the development of robotic applications. The course focuses on the use of ROS in C++, enabling students to build modular and reusable software components for robotics applications.
Mobile Robotics Engineer
Mobile Robotics Engineers specialize in the design, development, and deployment of mobile robots. ROS Essentials is a highly recommended course for those pursuing a career as a Mobile Robotics Engineer. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the Robot Operating System (ROS), which is widely used in the development of mobile robots. The course focuses on the use of ROS in C++, enabling students to build modular and reusable software components for mobile robots. Additionally, the course includes a practical project involving the programming of a mobile robot to chase white-colored balls.
Computer Vision Engineer
Computer Vision Engineers are responsible for developing and implementing computer vision systems for various applications, including robotics. ROS Essentials may be useful for those aspiring to become Computer Vision Engineers. This course provides a foundation in the Robot Operating System (ROS), which is increasingly used in the development of computer vision systems for robotics. The course covers topics such as ROS architecture, workspace structure, package management, and node programming in C++. These skills can be beneficial for Computer Vision Engineers who wish to integrate computer vision capabilities into robotic systems.
Control Systems Engineer
Control Systems Engineers are responsible for the design and development of control systems, including those used in robotics. ROS Essentials may be useful for those aspiring to become Control Systems Engineers. This course provides a foundation in the Robot Operating System (ROS), which is increasingly used in the development of control systems for robotics. The course covers topics such as ROS architecture, workspace structure, package management, and node programming in C++. These skills can be beneficial for Control Systems Engineers who wish to integrate ROS into their control systems designs.
Machine Learning Engineer
Machine Learning Engineers are responsible for developing and implementing machine learning algorithms for various applications, including robotics. ROS Essentials may be useful for those aspiring to become Machine Learning Engineers. This course provides a foundation in the Robot Operating System (ROS), which is increasingly used in the development of machine learning algorithms for robotics. The course covers topics such as ROS architecture, workspace structure, package management, and node programming in C++. These skills can be beneficial for Machine Learning Engineers who wish to integrate machine learning capabilities into robotic systems.
Embedded Systems Engineer
Embedded Systems Engineers are responsible for the design and development of embedded systems, including those used in robotics. ROS Essentials may be useful for those aspiring to become Embedded Systems Engineers. This course provides a foundation in the Robot Operating System (ROS), which is increasingly used in the development of embedded systems for robotics. The course covers topics such as ROS architecture, workspace structure, package management, and node programming in C++. These skills can be beneficial for Embedded Systems Engineers who wish to integrate ROS into their embedded systems designs.
Hardware Engineer
Hardware Engineers are responsible for the design and development of hardware systems, including those used in robotics. ROS Essentials may be useful for those aspiring to become Hardware Engineers. This course provides a foundation in the Robot Operating System (ROS), which is increasingly used in the development of hardware systems for robotics. The course covers topics such as ROS architecture, workspace structure, package management, and node programming in C++. These skills can be beneficial for Hardware Engineers who wish to integrate ROS into their hardware designs.
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineers are responsible for the design and development of electrical systems, including those used in robotics. ROS Essentials may be useful for those aspiring to become Electrical Engineers. The course provides a foundation in the Robot Operating System (ROS), which is increasingly used in the development of electrical systems for robotic applications. This course may provide valuable insights into the integration of ROS into electrical systems, particularly in the context of robotics.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineers are responsible for the design and development of mechanical systems, including those used in robotics. ROS Essentials may be useful for those aspiring to become Mechanical Engineers. The course provides a foundation in the Robot Operating System (ROS), which is increasingly used in the development of mechanical systems for robotic applications. This course will provide valuable insights into the integration of ROS into mechanical systems, particularly in the context of robotics.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers are responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of software systems. This course may be useful for those aspiring to become Software Engineers. It provides a foundation in the Robot Operating System (ROS), which is increasingly used in the development of software systems for robotic applications. The course covers topics such as ROS architecture, workspace structure, package management, and node programming in C++. These skills can be beneficial for Software Engineers who wish to integrate ROS into their software designs.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in ROS Essentials.
A collection of peer-reviewed papers from the Robotics: Science and Systems conference, offering a broad overview of the latest research and developments in robotics.
Provides a comprehensive overview of probabilistic robotics, including concepts such as localization, mapping, and planning, which are relevant to ROS-based robotic systems.
Provides a comprehensive overview of artificial intelligence techniques used in robotics, including machine learning, natural language processing, and knowledge representation.
Covers advanced topics in robotics, including aerial and ground robots, which may provide additional insights beyond the course's focus on ROS.

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