RobotBASIC

Unlike most chapters in this book, this chapter does not introduce new methods or algorithms related to robotic navigation systems. Instead, it provides an overview of a simulation tool that, in some situations, can be useful for quickly evaluating the overall appropriateness of a wide variety of alternatives before focusing more advanced development activities on a chosen design. In addition, since the tool described herein is totally free, it can be used to help students and others new to robotics understand the value of utilizing a design-simulate-deploy approach to developing robotic behaviors. Robot Simulators can emulate nearly all aspects of a robot's functionality. Unfortunately, many programming environments that support simulation have steep learning curves and are difficult to use because of their ability to handle complex attributes such as 3D renderings and bearing friction. Fortunately, there are many situations where advanced attributes are unnecessary. When the primary goal is to quickly test the feasibility of a variety of algorithms for robotic behaviors, RobotBASIC provides an easy-to-use, economical alternative to more complex systems without sacrificing the features necessary to implement a complete design-simulate-deploy cycle. RobotBASIC's ability to simulate a variety of sensors makes it easy to quickly test the performance of various configurations in an assortment of environments. Once algorithm development is complete, the same programs used during the simulation phase of development can immediately control a real robot.