Virtual RobotX (VRX)

This repository is the home to the source code and software documentation for the VRX simulation environment, which supports simulation of unmanned surface vehicles in marine environments.

• Designed in coordination with RobotX organizers, this project provides arenas and tasks similar to those featured in past and future RobotX competitions, as well as a description of the WAM-V platform.
• For RobotX competitors this simulation environment is intended as a first step toward developing tools prototyping solutions in advance of physical on-water testing.
• We also welcome users with simulation needs beyond RobotX. As we continue to improve the environment, we hope to offer support to a wide range of potential applications.

Now supporting Gazebo Sim and ROS 2 by default

We're happy to announce with release 2.0 VRX has transitioned from Gazebo Classic to the newer Gazebo simulator (formerly Ignition Gazebo).

• Gazebo Garden and ROS 2 are now default prerequisites for VRX.
• This is the recommended configuration for new users.
• Users who wish to continue running Gazebo Classic and ROS 1 can still do so using the gazebo_classic branch of this repository.
  • Tutorials for VRX Classic will remain available on our Wiki.
  • VRX Classic will transition from an officially supported branch to a community supported branch by Spring 2023.

The VRX Competition

The VRX environment is also the "virtual venue" for the VRX Competition. Please see our Wiki for tutorials and links to registration and documentation relevant to the virtual competition.

Getting Started

• Watch the Release 2.3 Highlight Video.
• The VRX Wiki provides documentation and tutorials.
• The instructions assume a basic familiarity with the ROS environment and Gazebo. If these tools are new to you, we recommend starting with the excellent ROS Tutorials
• For technical problems, please use the project issue tracker to describe your problem or request support.

Reference

If you use the VRX simulation in your work, please cite our summary publication, Toward Maritime Robotic Simulation in Gazebo:

Launch the Simulation

ros2 launch vrx_gz competition.launch.py world:=sydney_regatta

Drive the robot

ros2 launch vrx_gz usv_joy_teleop.py

Drive the robot teleop-keyboard

ros2 run teleop_cpp_ros2 usv_teleop