Package request: webots_ros2_driver

[2black0]

Package name

webots_ros2_driver

Operating System(s)

• linux-64
• linux-aarch64
• osx-64
• osx-arm64
• win-64

Additional context (optional)

Hi RoboStack maintainers,

I would like to request the addition of the webots_ros2_driver package to the ROS Humble distribution in RoboStack. This package is critical for bridging Webots robotics simulations with ROS 2, enabling seamless integration between the two platforms.

Package Overview

The webots_ros2_driver (available on ROS Index) provides essential functionalities to automate and streamline interactions between Webots and ROS 2. Key features include:

1. Automatic ROS 2 Interface Generation: Creates a ROS 2 interface directly from a Webots robot model, reducing manual configuration efforts.
2. URDF-Based Configuration: Allows users to define and customize the ROS 2 interface using URDF files, ensuring compatibility with existing ROS workflows.
3. Pluginlib Extensibility: Supports custom plugins to extend functionality, enabling developers to tailor communication between Webots and ROS 2 nodes.

Why Include This Package?

• Simulation-to-ROS 2 Workflow: Many roboticists rely on Webots for prototyping, and this package simplifies transferring simulated robots to ROS 2 environments.
• Community Relevance: The package is widely used in ROS 2 projects involving simulation, and its absence limits RoboStack’s compatibility with Webots-based workflows.
• Plugin Ecosystem: The plugin system encourages modular development, aligning with ROS 2’s design philosophy.

Request

Please consider adding webots_ros2_driver to the RoboStack Humble repository. This inclusion would greatly benefit developers working on simulation-driven ROS 2 projects and enhance cross-platform interoperability.

Thank you for your time and efforts in maintaining RoboStack!

Links and references (optional)

https://index.ros.org/p/webots_ros2_driver/

[wolfv]

Would you be able to send a PR? https://robostack.github.io/Contributing.html

It might be as easy as adding the package to the vinca.yaml file.

[Tobias-Fischer]

See cyberbotics/webots_ros2#733 - there needs to be some work done for osx support. @2black0 if you want to contribute, this would be a good starting point.