Madrid, January 2022
Today, Capra Robotics announced the launch of their state-of-the-art mobile robot platform, Capra Hircus. The versatility of the platform enables a wide range of applications, including but not limited to Inspection, Surveillance, Logistics, and Maintenance. Due to its flexible chassis and large engine power, it can be used for numerous types of tasks in uneven terrain, as well as in urban areas.
The Capra Mobile Robot Platform is based on the Robot Operating System (ROS 2) framework. As a novelty, the Capra Robot has a combination of micro processors (CPUs) and micro controllers (MCUs) which communication is based on ROS 2. MCUs have access to the DDS Data Space through micro-ROS, this framework enhances ROS 2 and allows the integration of embedded devices.
The micro-ROS framework bridges the gap between resource-constrained microcontrollers and larger processors in robotic applications that are based on ROS 2. It allows a standardized integration of MCUs into the ROS 2 Data Space.
Porting micro-ROS into a commercial prototype stands for technical reliability of the framework. Moreover, it highlights the clear benefit that the ROS 2 framework brings, which is the capacity to face real time systems challenges.This strongly impacts the possibility of widening the scope of ROS 2-based applications in Industry 4.0 and Industrial IoT applications.
DDS was chosen over other middlewares because of its use as ROS 2’s middleware which allows for almost effortless integration between the resource-constrained system and the high-level system running ROS 2. Additionally, the DDS protocol is designed around reliability and security, which is a key factor when designing an industrial product.
The communication between the resource-constrained system and the high-level system occurs over an ethernet transport. Capra Robotics’ embedded system runs a DDS version designed for resource-constrained systems developed by eProsima. This protocol (Micro XRCE-DDS) follows agent-client based communication design, meaning that the client runs on the embedded device and the agent is running on the high-level device. The agent then bridges the minimal DDS protocol to Fast DDS which the Capra ROS 2 nodes operate with.
The Capra control loop is running entirely on their embedded system which allows for controlling the robot in real-time. Capra Robotics have multiple embedded devices running, however only one device runs the micro-ROS client. This device is in charge of gathering the data of all the other devices to then compute several statuses and forward this information to the high-level system.
AVAILABILITY
The Capra Mobile Robot Platform is now available for purchase. More information and contact details available at Capra Robotics website (
Find more detailed information about micro-ROS at micro-ROS github repository and micro-ROS webpage.
ABOUT CAPRA ROBOTICS
Capra Robotics creates mobile robots platforms designed to easily integrate with additional hard- or software, making them customizable for specific applications. The robot platform is based on a state-of-the-art patented wheel frame that powers through the barriers that have challenged the mobile robot industry for years, namely, lack of versatility, poor driving capabilities, short ranges, low operating time and high pricing. Be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube for the latest news.
ABOUT EPROSIMA
eProsima is an SME company specialized in middleware solutions targeting robotic, IoT and automotive sectors. eProsima develops middleware implementations for larger robotic systems like Fast DDS and Micro XRCE-DDS, the default middleware for ROS 2 and for micro-ROS. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.
