Robot Makers Meet Worldwide as Free Tools Get Easier
From welding robots to crab bots, robotics is booming—and you can join in.
October is a big month for robot fans. Conferences called ROSCon are happening in Shanghai, Edinburgh, Singapore, and Valencia. These events bring together people who build robots using free, open-source software called ROS (Robot Operating System). It's like a giant meetup for anyone interested in robots, from professionals to hobbyists.
New tools are making robots more capable. A project called Hold and Weld lets a two-armed robot hold and weld metal parts, which could help in factories. Another tool, EasyNav, helps robots find their way around, like a GPS for indoor spaces. And a fun project called Jumper is a crab-like robot you can build and simulate in your browser—showing how accessible robotics is becoming.
You can also help shape the future. The annual Open Robotics Developer Survey is open, and your feedback will guide what features get built next. As a thank-you, 50 participants will win a free ROS or Gazebo T-shirt. No coding skills required—just your opinion.
Finally, the community needs volunteers to review code submissions. It's a great way to learn and contribute, even if you're not an expert. Robotics is growing fast, and these open-source projects mean anyone can be part of it. Whether you're into welding, exploring, or just playing with cool bots, there's a place for you.
- Robot conferences are happening worldwide this month, with free software making robots easier to build.
- New tools like Hold and Weld and EasyNav help robots do practical tasks like welding and navigating.
- You can take a survey to influence robot software development and win a free T-shirt.
Why It Matters
Open-source robotics is advancing fast, creating new jobs and making cool tech accessible to everyone.