Vote to Name the Next Robot Simulator: Pick Gazebo M's New Name
Your vote helps name the software that tests robots before they're built.
If you've ever wondered how self-driving cars learn to avoid pedestrians or how warehouse robots learn to sort packages, the answer is often Gazebo. It's a free, open-source simulator that lets engineers test robots in realistic virtual worlds without risking real people or expensive machines. Now, the team behind Gazebo is asking the community to name its next version, which will start with the letter M.
The naming tradition follows architecture themes, with past releases called Citadel, Fortress, Garden, and Harmonic. The shortlist for the M release includes options like Mosaic (a pattern made of small pieces), Minaret (a tower), and Mezzanine (an intermediate floor). It's a ranked-choice poll, meaning you can order all nine names from your favorite to least favorite. The poll runs until September 17, 2026.
Why should you care? Even if you don't work in robotics, these tools shape the machines that will soon deliver your packages, clean your streets, and drive your kids. Letting the public vote on a name is a small but meaningful way to feel connected to that future. Plus, the names are fun and easy to pronounce—no engineering degree required.
The catch? Voting is open to everyone, but the final decision will still come from the Gazebo team after reviewing the poll results. So your vote matters, but it's not the only thing that counts. Still, if you've ever wanted a tiny bit of influence in the world of robotics, this is your moment.
- Gazebo is a free simulator used to test robots and self-driving cars safely.
- The next version starts with M, and the public can vote from names like Mosaic, Minaret, or Mezzanine.
- Voting runs until September 17, 2026, and uses ranked-choice voting.
Why It Matters
Robot testing affects everything from delivery drones to self-driving cars — and now you get a say in naming it.