Robotics - Programming Languages

Quiz

In robotics, programming languages are important components of robot design, as they allow to breathe life into the physical structure of robots. Programming languages are responsible for making robots functional and intelligent, so they can perform tasks with precision like humans.

There are hundreds of programming languages, but only a few are dominatingly used in the field of robotics. In this chapter, we will learn about basics of some commonly used programming languages in robotics.

Best Robotics Programming Languages

This section provides an overview of widely used robotics programming languages with their features and use cases −

C and C++

C and C++ are most common programming languages used in robotics. These languages are used for robotics programming because they enable robots to perform tasks and execute actions with precisions and real-time performance. Hence, C and C++ are best suited for programming those robots which are used in time critical applications.

Here are some of the key features of C and C++, making them valuable programming languages in the field of robotics −

Both C and C++ are mature, general-purpose programming languages.
They provide many hardware libraries which are seamlessly compatible with robotic hardware.
C++ is an enhanced version of C and provides features like objects and classes. Hence, C++ is best suited for programming complex robotic machines.

C and C++ are widely used in the following applications −

C and C++ are used to program industrial robots to define control functionality for motors, sensors, or actuators.
They are also used for developing main functionalities for robot operating system (ROS).

Python Programming Language

Alongside C and C++, Python is another most popular programming language used for robotics programming. It is widely used because of its ease-of-use and versatility. Also, Python is the easiest language to learn and implement. It is an interpreted language and provides a rich set of libraries for easily implementing basic functions.

The key characteristics of Python that make it a popular choice for robotics programming are highlighted below −

It is the easiest programming language to learn.
It requires fewer lines of code to define a functionality.
It eliminates the need to define and cast variable types, hence reduces programming time.
It provides an extensive library ecosystem.

Python is widely used for the following applications in the field of robotics −

It is used for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) capabilities in robots.
It is also used for developing high-level robotic controls.

Java Programming Language

Java is another commonly used robotics programming language. It enables robots to function in a more human-like manner. It is an interpretive programming language, thus it allows the same programming code to use or run on different robotic machines. Java is very popular among robotics developers who are engaged in developing AI-powered robots.

The following are some key features of Java as a robotics programming language −

Being an interpretive language, it allows to use the same code on different robotic machines without any modification.
It provides support to develop AI capabilities and neural networks for robotic applications.

The following are some examples of practical use cases of Java in robotics −

It is used to program AI systems like IBM’s supercomputer Watson.
It is used for developing robotics applications that provide cross-platform capabilities, etc.

MATLAB

MATLAB (MATrix LABoratory) is a powerful tool that provides a programming language and a user-friendly interface for analyzing data, developing and implementing control systems for robots, and running simulations. MATLAB provides a pairable Robotics Toolbox, which allows developers to create and simulate systems for robotic arms.

The following features make MATLAB one of the top programming languages in robotics −

It provides a built-in toolbox that includes functions for kinematics, dynamics, and trajectory generation.
It provides a specially-designed interface for developing robotic control systems.
It provides supports to research, develop, and simulate systems for robotic arms.

Some practical usecases of MATLAB as a robotic programming language include the following −

It is used for simulating movements in robots and assess their performance.
It is used to design, develop, and test advanced control systems for robots.

Hardware Description Languages (HDLs)

HDLs are programming languages that enable developers to describe circuits and their functionalities using words and symbols. In robotics, HDLs are used to develop electronic circuits for robots. However, it is essential to have an in-depth understanding of electronics for using HDLs effectively. Some common examples of HDLs include Verilog, VHDL, etc.

The following are some key features of hardware description languages −

HDLs simplifies the hardware development process.
They allow to describe electronic circuits using word and symbols.
These are text-based programming languages, hence ease to understand for both machine and human.

HDLs in robotics are used for following purposes −

They are used for designing and programming ICs.
They are used to create custom hardware solutions for specific robotic applications, etc.

Conclusion

In conclusion, programming is the crucial part of robotics design, as it converts a mechanical lifeless structure into an intelligent machine that can perform functions in a human-like fashion. Robotics programming languages are essential for transforming the concepts of robotics into reality.

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