Robotics Project Overview

Introduction

This project is part of a collaborative effort to develop a virtual robotics environment. It involves the creation and interaction of virtual robots within a simulated world, utilizing a combination of individual and group contributions to achieve specific missions.

Project Structure

Individuals

Each member is responsible for:

• Robot AI: Develop basic logic for a robot to interact with the world according to a given mission.
• UI Displayer: Visualize the actions and status of a robot within the world.

Working Groups

Groups of 3-4 people are tasked with:

1. Developing 1 virtual robot that interacts with the world, performing basic tasks.
2. Creating 1 tool (sensor or actuator).
3. Generating 1 world generator or another utility.

Roles

• WGL (Working Group Leader): Votes on changes to specifications.
• WGC (Working Group Coordinator): Ensures productive meetings, drafts specifications, and submits shared code.

Software Components

Common Crate

The shared crate among all groups, containing:

• World: A 2D grid environment with various elements (grass, water, fire, etc.).
• Interface: The only means to interact with the world, implementing sensing and acting capabilities.
• Runner: Manages runtime logic and robot definitions.
• Energy: Defines energy and its management for robot operations.
• Test: Contains tests for the common crate components.
• Utils: Provides utility functions used across the crate.

Robot

Robots operate within the world, receiving a fixed amount of energy each tick to perform tasks using implemented tools.

Tools

Tools combine interfaces to provide robots with complex functionalities, provided sufficient energy is available.

Development Stages

1. Early Stage: WGLs meet to agree on and fix specifications.
2. Commons Crate Implementation: Initial development of individual contributions and components.
3. Specification Freezing: By the 21st class, specifications are frozen except for typo corrections or unanimous WGL agreement.
4. Faire (5th Dec): Groups showcase and commit to using sensors and world generators from other groups.
5. Robot Development and Maintenance: Groups develop their robots using chosen sensors, providing support for their components.

Class Code Repository Setup

• Hosted on https://advancedprogramming.disi.unitn.it/.
• Groups use personal access tokens for pushing and pulling crates.
• Dependencies are managed via Cargo.toml, specifying components and versions.

Code Principles

• Crate names must include the group name or acronym.
• No use of unsafe code or undocumented panic!.
• Extensive testing is required.
• Public interfaces should expose only necessary components.
• Write idiomatic Rust code.

Conclusion

This project aims to foster collaboration and innovation in virtual robotics, challenging participants to develop efficient, creative solutions within a simulated environment.