Open-Source Web Lab for Remote and On-Site Robotics Practice in a Realistic Zero-Setup ROS2 Development Environment (I)
Dāvis Krūmiņš, Veiko Vunder, Heiki Kasemägi, Alvo Aabloo, Karl Kruusamäe
Abstract
Robot Operating System 2 (ROS 2) has become the standard framework in modern robotics, but its steep learning curve and complex development environment present significant barriers to newcomers. This paper presents an open-source web lab through which learners can start practicing ROS2 programming on real robots right away with no development environment setup. The web lab offers realistic ROS2 development experience by serving browser-based Linux desktop workstations linked to physical remote robots. We also show how the web lab system can be leveraged to create portable infrastructure for hosting ad-hoc on-site robotics workshops that require zero setup time from the participants.