Open-Source Web Lab for Remote and On-Site Robotics Practice in a Realistic Zero-Setup ROS2 Development Environment
Dāvis Krūmiņ�, Veiko Vunder, Heiki Kasemägi, Alvo Aabloo, Karl Kruusamäe
AI summary
Problem
Newcomers struggle with ROS 2's steep learning curve and complex local setup requirements, while existing remote robotics platforms either demand local software installation, lack open-source alternatives, or do not support realistic development on physical hardware.
Approach
The authors built a browser-accessible lab that dynamically provisions Docker containers running a full Linux desktop with ROS 2, streaming the interface via VNC and connecting it to remote or local physical robots.
Key results
- Browser-based zero-setup ROS 2 development environment
- Integration with physical Robotont mobile robot and UR5 manipulator
- Portable deployment framework for ad-hoc on-site workshops
- Open-source release with automated Ansible setup scripts
Why it matters
It democratizes ROS 2 education by providing educators, students, and workshop organizers with a scalable, accessible platform to teach and practice robotics programming on real hardware without local configuration.
Abstract
Robot operating system 2 (ROS 2) has become the standard framework in modern robotics, but its steep learning curve and complex development environment present significant barriers to newcomers. This article presents an open-source web lab through which learners can start practicing ROS 2 program- ming on real robots right away with no development environment setup. Built upon our prior work with ROS 1, the web lab offers a realistic ROS 2 development experience by serving browser-based Linux desktop workstations connected to physical remote robots. We also demonstrate how the web lab can be leveraged to create a portable infrastructure for hosting ad hoc on-site robotics work- shops that require zero setup from the participants.