Open-Source is Revolutionizing Robotics

accelerating innovation, democratizing technology
and increasing accessibility

ACCELERATING INNOVATION & GROWTH

Open-source programming is revolutionizing the field of robotics by fostering unparalleled collaboration, spurring rapid innovation, and dramatically reducing development costs. Leading platforms like the Robot Operating System (ROS) equip developers with a robust framework of libraries and tools designed for the efficient building and simulation of robotic applications.

The widespread adoption of open-source frameworks like ROS is advancing standardization in development, empowering researchers and engineers to share code, collaborate, and build upon one another's contributions. This collaborative environment not only accelerates the pace of development but also makes cutting-edge robotics technology accessible.

Open-source technology is delivering substantial cost efficiencies in industrial robotics. Platforms like GitHub facilitate collaboration, enabling organizations to build and scale robotic applications quickly.

This reduction in costs and enhancement of innovation is accelerating global adoption, with industry leaders such as Amazon, Intrinsic (part of Alphabet), Boston Dynamics, SpaceX, and GigaFactory at the helm of this transformative movement.

In summary, embracing open-source programming is not just a technological shift; it is a catalyst for the future of robotics, driving efficiency, accessibility, and innovation across the globe.

Why is this important to academia?

Over the next 10 years, one of the largest growth segments for robotics is expected to be with small to medium businesses. We believe it's reasonable to conclude that this customer base will widely adopt open-source robotics due to lower acquisition costs and ease of programming.

This creates a significant job growth potential for those familiar with open-source robotics.

ROS

BY THE NUMBERS

Industrial adoption drivers

Cost Reduction

Collaborative Innovation

Customization

Scalability

ROS DATA

ROS downloads: 26.7M

ROS2 downloads: 17.7M

ROS tool downloads: 212M

ROS USERS

740+ Companies & Organizations

Amazon

NASA

Boston Dynamics

iRobot

Intel

Fetch Robotics

& more...

ROS Consortium

AWS, 3M, Intel, Johnson & Johnson, BOSCH, Microsoft, Siemens, CAT, Boeing, Volvo & more...

ROS delivers flexible, non-proprietary programming control for robotics: Python, C++, G-Code, Block Coding, Java & more...

BLOCK CODING AND INDUSTRIAL ROBOTICS

Block Coding, a visual way of programming robots, is increasingly being used in the context of open-source robotics.

Block coding was originally developed at MIT and Google as a programming format primarily for educational purposes. Recently, however, more industries have begun to adopt it. Companies are increasingly seeking a more intuitive programming framework to help expand the pool of qualified candidates and meet the rising demand for automation.

For example, ABB Robotics and Fanuc integrate block-based coding options to make programming more user-friendly.

Healthcare & Service Robotics

Open-source assistive and medical robotics projects are beginning to incorporate Block Coding to facilitate the development of robotic workflows.
Many medical automation systems are starting to use visual programming for lab automation and diagnostic robotics.

Autonomous Vehicles & AI-powered Robotics

Platforms like ROS (Robot Operating System) support integrations with block-based coding for quick programming.
Companies developing self-driving robots, such as SoftBank Robotics (Pepper, NAO) and RoboThink, use visual coding for AI-based robot behaviors.

Why Are Companies Using Block Coding?

Lower learning curve. It's Ideal for beginners and non-programmers.
Faster prototyping. Quickly testing robotics logic before transitioning to text-based languages like Python or C++.
Increase Qualified Applicants – Block Coding is widely used in schools, colleges, and workforce development programs.

Block Coding is transforming the landscape of robotics programming. It's making automation more accessible, and it opens the door to rewarding, high-paying skilled jobs for the workforce. Additionally, it empowers small business owners who may not have traditional programming expertise but are eager to harness the potential of automation.