On message standardization (and a call for participation)
New group tackles gaps in 3D LiDAR, IMU, and tactile sensor data formats, starting April 2026.
The Robot Operating System (ROS) community is launching a major standardization push to fix critical gaps in how robots and AI systems communicate with sensors. Announced via the ROS General forum, the new Standardized Interfaces & Messages Working Group will host public, biweekly sessions starting April 6, 2026, to review and craft proposals for sensor message formats. This initiative, stemming from the broader OSRA (Open Source Robotics Alliance) efforts to support Physical AI, specifically targets areas where current standards are lacking or inconsistent, beginning with 3D LiDAR technology.
Sensor manufacturer Ouster has already submitted an initial proposal for a new 3D LiDAR message, which will be a primary focus of the early sessions. The working group has also identified the IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) message structure and tactile sensing as high-priority areas needing community input. The call explicitly invites academic researchers, industry practitioners, and especially hardware designers and manufacturers to participate, emphasizing a goal of either implementing new standards or formally recommending existing community-developed solutions. This collaborative approach aims to create a more unified and robust foundation for the next generation of robots and embodied AI applications.
- New ROS working group launching April 2026 to standardize sensor messages for Physical AI applications.
- Initial focus is on 3D LiDAR (with a proposal from Ouster), IMU message structures, and tactile sensing.
- Biweekly public meetings seek participation from hardware designers, researchers, and industry practitioners to unify robotics communication.
Why It Matters
Standardized sensor data is foundational for interoperable, reliable robots and Physical AI, accelerating development across research and industry.