- Open Source Robotics Foundation (OSRF) initiates Open Source Robotics Alliance (OSRA) to foster open-source robotics projects, focusing on ROS.
- Nvidia and Qualcomm join as “Platinum” members, alongside Alphabet’s X spinout Intrinsic, to advance ROS development.
- Nvidia emphasizes commitment to integrating accelerated computing and AI with ROS, while Intrinsic highlights extensive contributions to the open-source community.
- Intrinsic’s acquisition of Open Robotics’ commercial division underscores industry alignment toward open-source robotics.
- OSRA follows a mixed membership model akin to the Linux Foundation, with pricing structured based on organizational commitment.
- OSRA oversees ROS development, alongside governance of Gazebo simulator and Open-RMF for enhanced robotic system interoperability.
- Market heavyweights Nvidia and Qualcomm’s involvement is poised to solidify standards, especially in reference design robots.
- The membership roster includes corporate entities like Clearpath and PickNik Robotics, with Silicon Valley Robotics and Canonical in supporting roles.
Main AI News:
In a strategic move to foster the progression of open-source robotics initiatives, the Open Source Robotics Foundation (OSRF) unveiled the formation of the Open Source Robotics Alliance (OSRA) this week. This new collaborative venture aims to sustain the evolution and upkeep of open-source robotics endeavors, with a specific emphasis on bolstering the development of the OSRF’s renowned robot operating system (ROS).
ROS, initially introduced in 2007 by the pioneering Willow Garage incubator in the Bay Area, has been a cornerstone in the realm of robotics innovation for decades. Demonstrating staunch backing for this initiative, both Nvidia and Qualcomm have committed as “Platinum” members to the inaugural lineup of the alliance. Joining them in this endeavor is Alphabet’s X spinout Intrinsic.
Gordon Grigor, Vice President at Nvidia, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “Nvidia is committed to leveraging ROS 2 to integrate accelerated computing and AI functionalities into the toolkit of developers, researchers, and commercial applications.” Grigor further emphasized Nvidia’s dedication as an inaugural platinum member of OSRA, emphasizing collaborative efforts to advance open-source robotics initiatives by providing developmental support and ensuring governance and continuity.
Similarly, Wendy Tan White, CEO of Intrinsic, emphasized their firm’s extensive involvement in the open-source community, citing contributions to projects like ROS, Gazebo, and Open-RMF. White highlighted Intrinsic’s recent acquisition of Open Source Robotics Corporation (OSRC) and reiterated their commitment to supporting the ecosystem as a founding member of OSRA.
The strategic acquisition of Open Robotics’ commercial division by Intrinsic in late 2022 underscores the alignment of key industry players toward open-source robotics development. Brian Gerkey, former CEO of Open Robotics and current CTO of Intrinsic, has assumed a pivotal role on the board of directors for OSRA, further solidifying the alliance’s leadership.
The structure of OSRA reflects industry-standard consortium practices within the technology sector. OSRF describes it as “a mixed membership and meritocratic model,” akin to established open-source alliances such as the Linux Foundation. Membership tiers are delineated based on organizational commitment, with pricing structures varying according to headcount.
In addition to overseeing the development of ROS, OSRA’s mandate encompasses the governance of Open Robotics’ Gazebo simulator and Open-RMF, a framework aimed at enhancing interoperability across robotic systems. The involvement of industry giants like Nvidia and Qualcomm is poised to fortify the establishment of these standards, particularly given their roles in spearheading reference design robots, which serve as foundational frameworks for numerous robotics manufacturers.
OSRA’s membership roster extends beyond corporate heavyweights, encompassing entities like Clearpath and PickNik Robotics. Silicon Valley Robotics assumes an associate membership role, while Canonical, the developer behind Ubuntu, contributes in a supporting capacity, underlining the broad-based collaborative efforts driving open-source robotics innovation forward.
Conclusion:
The partnership between Nvidia, Qualcomm, and other industry players in the Open Source Robotics Alliance signifies a significant step forward for the open-source robotics market. By aligning with OSRA and prioritizing ROS development, these companies are not only bolstering industry standards but also fostering a collaborative ecosystem conducive to innovation. This concerted effort is likely to drive advancements in robotic technology, benefitting both developers and end-users in various sectors, from research to commercial applications.
