Course Contents
Chapter 2 - ROS Fundamentals

Lesson 2: Basic Concept - MiROS

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IN THIS LESSON

What is MiROS?

MiROS is a visual programming tool for ROS development, designed to simplify the process with a browser-based, drag-and-drop interface, zero setup, and instant robot deployment. It runs inside a Docker container that encapsulates the ROS 2 environment on Ubuntu (a Linux distribution). This approach enables users on all major platforms, including Linux, Mac and Windows, to run ROS without installing Linux or ROS natively.

The key features of MiROS

  • Visual Programming

    • This intuitive drag-and-code functionality streamlines your workflow, saving time and enabling focus on programming logic rather than syntax intricacies.

  • VM Free

    • Good news for Mac & Windows users. No need to install Linux over Virtual Machine anymore, saving time, money and computing power. Within 10 ~ 15 minutes, you can start programming ROS in your web browser with zero configurations.

  • Quick to Install

    • It takes 10 to 15 minutes to install both Docker and MiROS app. Docker should launched prior to MiROS app. This allows MiROS to pull the latest ROS image from Docker.

  • Start with a Template

    • Starting with a template by picking your robot model is the quickest way to begin your programming journey on a ROS project. Each robot template contains all the ROS Packages, Topics & Configuration Files you need for your project.

  • Gazebo, Rviz and RQT run Web

    • Running Visualisation and Simulation tools such as Gazebo, Rviz and RQT directly from the MiROS web interface streamlines your development workflow from coding, simulation, visualisation and building your project on the fly.

  • Wireless Robot Deployment

    • Connect to your robot remotely via Wifi. Build and run ROS code instantly and wirelessly on your robot for a truly connected experience.

  • Built-in Code Editor

    • If you are an advanced ROS developer, you can access the full Code Editor and modify codes in real-time. MiROS supports both online and offline modes. It also saves changes every few seconds.

  • Enhanced System Security

    • The robot default ROS packages are labelled in red. They are protected by MiROS automatically. Users are recommended to create their own ROS packages and establish communications with these core packages via subscription or publishing.

  • Auto Code Generation

    • When a Workspace is created, the ROS configuration is automatically done. Drag-and-drop a ROS element generates codes behind the scene. Create and modify parameters easily in a table view. Minimal coding is required.

  • Integrate with GitHub

    • Push your codes to GitHub or save them to your computer hard drive. MiROS can create a new repository on your GitHub account or you may select an existing GitHub repository.

MiROS and this Training Course

MiROS is used as the primary teaching tool in the Beginner Training Course. The coding examples and software interface illustrations in this training course are based on MiROS or ROS in Linux environment.

To complete the assessment, a student should download and install MiROS prior to starting the assessment process.

To download MiROS, visit the below website:

https://www.mirobot.ai/miros

An illustration of Visual Programming in MiROS