No programmers? No problem: READY robotics simplifies robot coding, rollouts
In an effort to revolutionize the field of robotics and make it more accessible to manufacturing workers without programming abilities, READY Robotics, a startup based in Columbus, Ohio, has developed groundbreaking "no code" software. This innovative solution, built upon robotics research from Johns Hopkins University, aims to eliminate the need for skilled programmers in deploying robotics hardware.
Led by Kel Guerin, a former Ph.D. candidate at Johns Hopkins University, and now under the leadership of CEO Benjamin Gibbs, READY Robotics has introduced the ForgeOS operating system.
"There was this a-ha moment where we figured out that we could take these types of visual languages that are very easy to understand and use them for robotics," Guerin said.
With ForgeOS, anyone can program any type of robot hardware or automation device without writing a single line of code. The operating system seamlessly integrates with plug-ins for various robot hardware, much like the popular Android operating system, allowing the use of third-party apps and plugins. This creates a vibrant ecosystem of partners and developers working together to enhance the capabilities of robots.
One of the key features of ForgeOS is Task Canvas, a user-friendly block-based programming interface. Task Canvas enables users to create flowcharts that encompass the activities of the robot, as well as other components of an automation cell, such as grippers, programmable logic controllers, and machine tools. By connecting these blocks, nonprogrammers can easily develop complex logic without the need for coding expertise.
Whether working directly on the factory floor with real robots on a tablet device or accessing simulation through Isaac Sim powered by NVIDIA Omniverse, the Task Canvas interface provides a "drag-and-drop" experience for programming and deploying robots. This intuitive approach significantly enhances user experience and usability, allowing workers to quickly add new capabilities to a robotic system.
Ready Robotics' "no code" software marks a significant step forward in democratizing robotics programming. By empowering manufacturing workers with the ability to program robots without extensive coding knowledge, the company is enabling the widespread adoption of robotics technology and driving innovation in the industry. With the ForgeOS operating system and Task Canvas interface, READY Robotics is poised to revolutionize the way robots are programmed and deployed, making automation more accessible and efficient than ever before.
