Ground-breaking NVIDIA Isaac Sim makes it ‘painless’ to program robots
Startup’s ForgeOS “no code” software, which features NVIDIA Isaac Sim, enables robot programming for non-coders.
No Programmers? No Problem: READY Robotics Simplifies Robot Coding, Rollouts.
Introduction
In the realm of robotics hardware, programming expertise has traditionally been a prerequisite for deployment. However, READY Robotics, a pioneering startup based in Columbus, Ohio, aims to challenge this status quo. Leveraging a "no code" software solution, the company is targeting individuals working in manufacturing who lack programming skills. With their innovative approach, READY Robotics is transforming the landscape of robotics and empowering a wider range of professionals to engage with automation technology. Let's delve deeper into the story of this remarkable startup.
From Research to Startup
READY Robotics emerged as a spinout of robotics research conducted at Johns Hopkins University. Kel Guerin, who led this research as a PhD candidate, partnered with Benjamin Gibbs, an associate at Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures, to secure funding and establish the company. Currently, Gibbs serves as the CEO of READY Robotics, while Guerin holds the position of Chief Innovation Officer.
The "A-ha" Moment: Visual Languages for Robotics
Guerin recalls a pivotal "a-ha moment" when the team realized the potential of harnessing visual languages to simplify robotics. This revelation led to the development of ForgeOS, READY's groundbreaking "no code" operating system. ForgeOS is designed to enable anyone, regardless of their programming skills, to program various types of robot hardware and automation devices. Just like popular operating systems such as Android, ForgeOS seamlessly integrates with plug-ins for major robot hardware, allowing the installation of third-party apps and plugins. This creates a robust ecosystem of partners and developers actively working towards enhancing the capabilities of robots.
Unleashing New Possibilities with App-based Robotics
One of the significant advantages of implementing apps in robotics is the ability to quickly introduce new capabilities to robotic systems. With just a few clicks, users can add functionality to their robots, thereby enhancing user experience and usability. READY Robotics offers its own app, Task Canvas, which provides an intuitive building block programming interface reminiscent of Scratch—a visual programming language developed at MIT Media Lab for children. Task Canvas allows users to represent robot actions, along with other automation devices, as blocks in a flow chart. By connecting these blocks together, users can create powerful logic without writing a single line of code. The interface offers non-programmers a "drag-and-drop" experience for programming and deploying robots, both on the factory floor using tablets and in simulation environments powered by NVIDIA Omniverse's Isaac Sim.
Simplifying Real-World Deployments through Simulation
READY Robotics recognizes the importance of simplifying robotics system design for non-programmers, enabling accelerated deployments and validation of robots and systems. To achieve this, the company is developing Omniverse Extensions—applications based on Isaac Sim—that can be deployed on the cloud. Isaac Sim is an application framework that facilitates simulation training, allowing robots to be tested virtually in manufacturing environments before their real-world deployment. This sim-first approach has gained traction, particularly among larger companies looking to optimize their investments by assessing the viability of automation systems upfront. READY Robotics leverages the cloud-based Omniverse Nucleus, the platform's database and collaboration engine, to support collaboration and data management.
Industry Collaboration and Support
READY Robotics operates within a vibrant ecosystem of leading industrial automation providers. The company's global partners actively develop integrations with platforms like NVIDIA Omniverse and make strategic investments in READY Robotics. These collaborations are essential for expanding the reach and impact of the startup's technology. One notable example is Stanley Black & Decker, a renowned global supplier of tools. The company has turned to READY Robotics to automate machines, including CNC lathes and mills. By utilizing READY's ForgeOS with its Station setup, Stanley Black & Decker achieved rapid deployment of robots within a single day, overcoming previous challenges in deploying robotic automation within their factory.
Education and Empowerment
In addition to its software solutions, READY Robotics understands the importance of education and training in driving the adoption of robotic automation. The company runs READY Academy, a platform that offers free training to manufacturing professionals, equipping them with the skills required to design, deploy, manage, and troubleshoot robotic automation systems. This commitment to education aligns with READY's philosophy of democratizing robotics technology and ensuring it is accessible to a broader audience.
Conclusion
READY Robotics is revolutionizing the field of robotics by introducing a "no code" approach that enables individuals without programming skills to program and deploy robots. Through their ForgeOS operating system and Task Canvas app, the company provides an intuitive and user-friendly interface for users to create powerful logic and control robot actions without the need for traditional coding. By incorporating simulation capabilities into their offerings, READY Robotics facilitates real-world deployments by allowing users to test and validate their robotic systems virtually. With strategic collaborations and investments from industry giants, READY Robotics is poised to drive the adoption of robotic automation, making it more accessible and efficient across various sectors. As the company continues to innovate and empower individuals, the future of automation holds great promise.
