In the world of robotics, simulations have become an essential tool for developing, testing, and deploying robotic systems. But what exactly is simulation, and why is it so transformative? A simulation is a virtual environment that emulates robot behavior and interactions with the world, using mathematical models to replicate physics, sensors, and actuators. By eliminating the need for expensive or inaccessible hardware, simulation empowers developers everywhere to create, refine, and scale their robotics applications.

This talk explores how open-source general-purpose simulators (like Gazebo, Webots, O3DE, etc.) are breaking barriers in robotics development. From reducing costs and improving safety to accelerating development cycles and enabling large-scale testing, simulations are revolutionizing the field. Importantly, they are fostering inclusivity by providing accessible tools for regions with limited access to robotics hardware, such as Argentina and other less than well-resourced areas.

We’ll discuss the critical factors to consider when choosing a simulator, including its focus, community support, and compatibility with open-source tools. We’re excited to invite you to join us and discover how open-source simulations are democratizing robotics, empowering developers, and shaping the future of this exciting field.

Plan for the talk (20 minutes + 5 minutes of discussions and questions):

1. Introductions
2. Robots and simulators 2.1 What is a robotic system? 2.2 What is a robotic simulator? 2.3 What can I do with a robotic simulator?
3. Picking the right tool for the job 3.1 How to pick a robotic simulator? 3.2 One robot, many simulators: Gazebo, Webots, O3DE, MuJoCo, Flatland
4. Discussion and questions