ROS (Robot Operating System)
ROS is an open-source middleware framework for developing robot software, providing services like hardware abstraction, low-level device control, message-passing between processes, and package management. It is not a traditional operating system but a collection of tools, libraries, and conventions that simplify the task of creating complex and robust robot behavior across a wide variety of robotic platforms. ROS enables modular development, allowing developers to reuse code and integrate sensors, actuators, and algorithms efficiently.
Developers should learn ROS when working on robotics projects, as it is the de facto standard in academic and industrial robotics for building scalable and interoperable systems. It is particularly useful for applications such as autonomous navigation, manipulation, perception, and simulation, offering a rich ecosystem of packages and community support. ROS simplifies integration of hardware and software components, making it essential for prototyping, research, and production in fields like drones, self-driving cars, and industrial automation.