From the Desks of ROS Maintainers: A Survey of Modern & Capable Mobile Robotics Algorithms in the Robot Operating System 2

TL;DR

This survey reviews the latest advancements in mobile robotics algorithms within ROS 2, highlighting new systems, comparing methods, and discussing future directions for robot navigation technology.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview and comparison of modern ROS 2 navigation algorithms, including new systems not present in ROS 1, from the perspective of key maintainers.

Findings

Introduction of new ROS 2 navigation systems

Comparison of diverse navigation methods

Insights into future trends in ROS 2 robotics

Abstract

The Robot Operating System 2 (ROS 2) is rapidly impacting the intelligent machines sector -- on space missions, large agriculture equipment, multi-robot fleets, and more. Its success derives from its focused design and improved capabilities targeting product-grade and modern robotic systems. Following ROS 2's example, the mobile robotics ecosystem has been fully redesigned based on the transformed needs of modern robots and is experiencing active development not seen since its inception. This paper comes from the desks of the key ROS Navigation maintainers to review and analyze the state of the art of robotics navigation in ROS 2. This includes new systems without parallel in ROS 1 or other similar mobile robotics frameworks. We discuss current research products and historically robust methods that provide differing behaviors and support for most every robot type. This survey consists of overviews, comparisons, and expert insights organized by the fundamental problems in the field. Some of these implementations have yet to be described in literature and many have not been benchmarked relative to others. We end by providing a glimpse into the future of the ROS 2 mobile robotics ecosystem.