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kaist_webots: webots_run | webots_joy_demo | webots_controllers

This is an example of a Webots Controller written in C++, running as a ROS Node. It demonstrates how to build a ROS package linked against the Webots CppLibrary, control a robot using ROS messages, and start the simulation from a single launch file. This package is based on webots_joystick, which uses the C API and a different launching method.

The 'joy' node from the 'joystick_drivers' stack receives input from a USB joystick and publishes the state of the buttons and axes on the '/joy' topic. This node uses that input to drive a simple simulated robot in Webots. Speed commands are sent to the differential drive model using the Webots C++ API.

Tested with Webots 6.4.4 and ROS Fuerte.


Installation

Follow these instructions to install the kaist_webots stack.


Usage

Plug-in your USB joystick. This joystick controller has been tested with the Microsoft Xbox-360 USB joystick.

You can test the joystick by running:

$ cat /dev/input/js0

(you should see strange characters when you press the buttons)

You can edit the joystick path in the launch file.

Run the demo:

$ roslaunch webots_joy_demo run.launch

The Webots simulator should load, as shown:

http://img.acianetmedia.com/i/WieQo.jpg

If the controller loads successfully, there should be no error messages in the Webots console:

http://img.acianetmedia.com/i/0odiy.jpg

You can control the simulated robot using the USB joystick.
For the Xbox-360 joystick, the controls are as follows:

http://img.acianetmedia.com/i/vTWs.jpg


Controlling your own Webots mobile robot

For an example of a joint position controller, see the webots_controllers package.



2024-03-23 13:06