14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is opening new doors towards the creation of robotics applications that can fit a wide range of scenarios by releasing the final version of its Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio 4.
Generally available, Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio 4 (RDS 4) –which is downloadable from Softpedia as well, via the link below – comes with a variety of stability and quality improvements when compared to the previous releases.
The team behind the tool notes that many of the enhancements have been based on the feedback received from those who tried the software out.
Moreover, they managed to improve the existing samples, and also packed it with support for the release version of the Kinect for Windows SDK.
Moreover, it comes with RDS 4 simulation tools, which enables devs to come up with Kinect-based robots without the need of physical hardware. Have a look at the video embedded below to learn more on one such robot.
“There has been tremendous excitement with Microsoft Kinect within the robotics space signaling the potential opportunities that exist in transforming robots to low-cost mainstream consumer devices,” Microsoft notes.
“RDS 4, with support from the Kinect sensor, aims to make it easier for developers to build applications, including those directed at personal robotics and consumer scenarios, both in hardware and in simulation.”
RDS 4 was also released with support for technologies such as Microsoft .NET Framework 4.0, XNA 4.0, and Silverlight 4.0.
RDS 4 is already being used for the development of interesting applications, Microsoft notes, adding that it has received impressive submissions for the Robotics @ Home competition announced last fall.
“Today, we’re excited to reveal the competition’s 10 finalists. Visit the Robotics @ Home Finalists page to read more about the finalists, including how they think robotics will change the world and what they would do with the prize winnings. We look forward to announcing the grand prize winner in May of this year,” Habib Heydarian, Microsoft Robotics, explains.
