ROSDeck: configurable split-pane ROS 2 operator panel for Android (iOS coming soon)
New Android app lets robot operators create custom dashboards with camera feeds, joysticks, and diagnostics in split panes.
A new mobile tool is emerging for robotics engineers and operators working with ROS 2. Developer ROSDeck has announced a closed beta for 'ROSDeck,' an Android application designed to provide a highly configurable teleoperation and monitoring panel for robots. The core innovation is its interface, modeled after the terminal multiplexer 'tmux,' which allows users to split their mobile screen into multiple panes. Each pane can be assigned a specific widget, such as a live camera feed from the robot, a virtual joystick for sending Twist or TwistStamped velocity commands, an occupancy map for navigation, diagnostic readouts, battery state indicators, or time-series charts. This modular approach lets operators build custom dashboards tailored to specific tasks.
For practical fieldwork, ROSDeck emphasizes quick reconfiguration. Users can save their pane layouts as named presets—like 'drive' for navigation or 'inspect' for diagnostics—and switch between them with a single tap. The app connects directly to a robot's ROS 2 system over a local network using standard protocols like rosbridge WebSocket or foxglove-bridge, requiring no cloud backend or user account. This local-first, offline-capable design is crucial for reliable operation in environments with poor connectivity. Currently in beta for Android, with an iOS version confirmed to be in development, ROSDeck is soliciting feedback from the robotics community to refine its feature set for real-world deployment.
- Features a tmux-style, customizable split-pane interface for assigning widgets like camera feeds and joystick controls.
- Saves layouts as named presets (e.g., 'drive', 'inspect') for one-tap reconfiguration during robot operation.
- Connects locally via rosbridge or foxglove-bridge with no backend or account, prioritizing offline fieldwork use.
Why It Matters
Provides robot operators with a flexible, mobile command center, potentially increasing efficiency and situational awareness during remote deployments.