RoboPlus - The new software that replaces BCP/Motion Edit,..

[PedroR]

Hi all

I have been test driving the new software suite Robotis has developped to replaced Motion Editor and Behaviour Control program, called Roboplus.

I believe this software already ships with OLLO Bug which has a CM-100 controller (which is, by the way, an inexpensive, cool and fun construction platform)

The software is compatible with the new Robotis controllers and also with the classic CM-5.

For you to have an idea, here is the same program under Behaviour Control Program and RoboPlus Task (Roboplus can open and import BCP programs but the import routine is more than often not very smart...).

Under BCP:



The exact same program, under Roboplus Task, the successor of BCP:

EDIT: The above screenshot has an error: you can't have FUNCTION declarations inside the "START PROGRAM" declaration. They need to be outside. If you look at this thread, there are later posts where I place sample code that can be downloaded and run that shows how to use Roboplus.

BTW all this is graphical using drag and drop / mouse clicks. The presentation looks very much like C but you don't really "write" any text. It works very well though and seems to strike a great balance for beginners and experts alike.

The new Roboplus adds new features and programming constructs for structured programming which I haven't fully explored yet. One of them is proper FUNCTION implementations (with FUNCTION declaration and CALL / RETURN), but still maintains the JUMP instructions and Labels for legacy support I guess.

Regards
Pedro.


Regards
Pedro.

[Merlin]

Thanks or this review, the GUI oof the software appears very interesting, I see even it have the Print feature integrated on the GUI, which is a severe lack on the current Behav. Software.
Searching the Robolplus software, I reviewed the Dowload list from Robotis and isn't there. In OLLO.com site there aren't an availabble copy of Roboplus.
Where we can find the Roboplus Software?
If the software is compatible with CM5, I imagine that is free for Bioloid owners, this is true?
Any suggest from Robosavy?

Thanks and best regards


Merlin

[PedroR]

Hi Merlin

I believe this software is still in Beta for all other robots except OLLO.

I had access to it because I work with Robosavvy and Robotis sent us a demo version.

At this point, the information I have, is that the software will be available for previous Bioloid owners and will come standard with all new Bioloids.

Another interesting thing I found in the software is that there are 4 target controllers to choose from:
1- CM 100 - this one we know is for OLLO
2- CM-5 - the original Bioloid controller
3- CM-510 - the controller that will come with Bioloid Prmeium (to be released before the end of the year both as a stand alone product and an upgrade kit for previous Bioloids). What I know about CM-510 so far is that it has a more recent ATMEGA and 6 A/D ports.
4- CM-700 - this is a new one and no specs are known at this time. I suppose it will be a high-end / optionally available controller for custom projects; I have no confirmed info about this.

With regards Bioloid Premium and current Bioloid, what we know so far is that they will both be maintained and produced.
Bioloid Premium will be more expensive than the current Bioloid from what I know (don't knwo how much though), and the classic Bioloid will maintain it's price tag but will benefit from the inclusion of this new Roboplus software.

[Merlin]

Thanks for your response

Do you know when the Roboplus SW will be relesead?

(I cannot live a day more with Behav.SW....)

If is not ilegal, can you send me a Beta copy to my personal e-mail?

darnoff@yahoo.com

Thanks in advance


merlin

[PedroR]

Hi Merlin

I am waiting for information on the release dates.

With regards to the beta copy, as you may understand, I will need the authorization from the manufacturer.

I am trying to see if we can make the current version available for broad testing as soon as possible.

Regards
Pedro

[PedroR]

Hi

Just a quick stop to share my updates:

I have been testing now the tool that replaces Motion Editor. It's really well laid out. I must say I never really used Motion Editor but this new one was very easy to understand and start using.

Very intuitive and complete and you get Multi-Tab view, meaning you can be editing the CM-5 contents and a bunch of other Action Files at the same time.


I have also been tetsing a tool which I think is new called Roboplus Manager.
It gives you a detailed view of all devices in the Dynamixel bus including real time readings of all parameters.
This is especially useful for AX-S1 where you get real time readings of all sensors. very neat to understand how it reads and test the different thresholds.
It also includes a section for Zigbee testing as well as firmware checks (and upgrades I believe).

I am prepping this Bioloid (Limor's Bioloid) to go to the Korean Robot
Festival and I decided to use the new Roboplus for this task.
I'm also using Roboplus to test the new PSX board form StuartL and Matt to attach PS2 controllers to Bioloid and it's very nice.

I am liking very much what I've seen so far.
I don't have a vast experience with Humanoids: I am only familiar with Robobuilder so far and I must say this new Roboplus software is light-years ahead of the software that comes with Robobuilder.

[Merlin]

Pedro:
We are full on expectations with any new report you post...pls do the necessary inquiries to distribute the Beta software on the Forum or even on the interested Bioloid users, because I tend to believe that an extensive testing could be very useful for the manufacturer and also very interesting for all of us.
Thanks in advance

merlin

[altwolf]

I see that Robotis has posted the software, so I assume it is ok for me to show everyone the link i found:

http://www.robotis.com/zbxe/?mid=softwa ... _srl=31338

The web page is in Korean, but when you install the software it gives you the option to use english.

[ShreddinPB]

does this work with the CM-5 yet? I downloaded it and installed it.. it cant get RoboPlus Manager to connect to the CM-5 tho

[Merlin]

It seems every single robotic fan is trying to dowload the software at the same time, the transfer rate is minimal.
Is it any chance to share the code on the File manager area on Robosavvy?


merlin

[siempre.aprendiendo]

does this work with the CM-5 yet? I downloaded it and installed it.. it cant get RoboPlus Manager to connect to the CM-5 tho

"No controller found" I can't connect with RoboPlus

My CM-5 firmware version is 1.15 (Bioloid_Ver115.hex)

[emotech]

I dont think it supports the CM-5 Firmware controller because if you go Roboplus firmware manage information it only says CM-100.

[limor]

we were told it is planned to be compatible. however the current software version are "beta" so hopefully they will release one soon that supports CM5.

[altwolf]

What is the latest version of the regular Bioloid software? The one I have is 1.11.

If you look at "Roboplus/Manager/config/cm-5.txt" the firmware version listed there is 1.93. So that may be the firmware version it looks for.

[Merlin]

As far I can see, the lastest firmware available version for CM5 is 1.15.

Probably we have to wait the release of new firmware for CM5 in order to be supported by RoboPlus

merlin