Setting Out a Software Stack Capable of Hosting a Virtual ROS-based Competition

TL;DR

This paper presents a ROS-based software stack designed to facilitate virtual Mars Rover competitions, enabling remote participation and simulation without requiring deep ROS expertise.

Contribution

It introduces a novel software architecture that simplifies the setup and use of ROS simulations for virtual competitions, enhancing accessibility and adoption.

Findings

Software successfully replicates on-site competition tasks

Enables users to perform simulations without ROS or Gazebo expertise

Facilitates remote participation in Mars Rover challenges

Abstract

Traditional academic competitions that foster collaboration from student communities all around the globe have either been postponed indefinitely or cancelled due to restrictions posed upon in-person gathering. Owing to this, virtual competitions are gaining importance as they provide the student community with an outlet for exposure and academic growth whilst having the convenience of being online and safe. Mars Society South Asia (MSSA) has developed a software stack capable of replicating on-site competition tasks via ROS-based simulations. The software enables users to perform necessary simulations without them having to interact with ROS or Gazebo. Currently, the software has been set out to be used for the Virtual Mars Rover Challenge (VMRC), a competition that focuses on simulating the next generation of Mars rovers and thereby providing the student community with a substitute to their on-site competitions. The objective of this white paper is to explain the software architecture, installation, usage, maintenance and ease of use which is the singular most important factor in software adoption.