Robots represent the most effective application of modern science. They not only reduce human efforts but also perform error-free tasks. Many companies are showing interest in robotics. In recent years, industrial robots have gained momentum. Keeping an eye on the circumstances, we will talk about robotic programming languages.
To perform tasks, robots need programming. They receive instructions through computer commands, and this is called Robotic Programming Languages. A robotic programmer must know different programming languages. So, let’s start.
Top 7 Robotic Programming Languages
There are many robotic programming languages available, all of which work for robotic training. However, here we’ve listed the top 7 robotic programming languages.
1. C/C++
C and C++ are the best ways to start your journey in Robotics. Both of them are general-purpose programming languages and offer almost the same features. C++ is the improvised version of C and offers a bit more. Now, you should also understand why C++ is the leader in robotic programming languages. It allows interaction with low-level hardware and provides real-time performance.
C++ is the most mature language to ensure the best performance from a robot. There are three methods of coding using C++. These are the Constructor method, Autonomous method, and OperatorControl method. In the Constructor method, the initializing code runs to create a class. In this case, it runs at the start of the program.
It helps to initialize sensors and create other WPILib objects. The autonomous method ensures the running of code, working in an autonomous period only. After that, the robot enters the teleoperation part, where the OperatorControl method comes into play.
2. Python
Python is a high-level programming language that helps in building and testing robots. It is better than other platforms in automation and post-processing robot programming. You can write scripts in Python to calculate, record, and simulate an entire robot program.
There is no need to teach everything manually. This allows quick testing and visualization of solutions in the simulation, program, and its logic. Compared to other languages, Python can work with fewer lines of code. Also, it offers a huge number of libraries for basic functionalities. The major aim of Python is to reduce the time and effort of programming.
We can create, modify, or delete any object. Additionally, we can program the movements of the robot in the same script. All these happen with minimal coding. This makes Python one of the best robotic programming languages.
3. Java
Java is the programming language that helps robots perform human-like tasks. It also offers an array of APIs that fulfill the needs of robotics. Java contains high-level features of an artificial language.
It allows you to create high-level algorithms for machine learning, search, and neural algorithms. Also, Java allows the usage of the same code on different machines.
Being an interpretive language, Java is not compiled into machine code. Rather, the Java virtual machine interprets the instructions at runtime. This has made Java quite popular in robotics. So, Java is good over other robotic programming languages. Modern AIs like IBM’s Watson and AlphaGo are using Java.
4. .NET
.NET is the language by Microsoft to develop applications in Visual Studio. It offers a solid foundation to start a career in Robotics. Developers mainly use .NET in port and socket programming.
It allows multiple languages with horizontal scalability. Also, it creates a unified environment and helps to program in C++ or Java. All tools and IDEs are pre-tested and available in the Microsoft Developer Network.
Also, language integration is seamless. So, without any hesitation, we can place this among the top robotic programming languages.
5. MATLAB
MATLAB, along with its open-source relatives like Octave, is very popular in robotic engineering. It is far ahead of other robotic programming languages in data analysis. Technically, MATLAB is not a programming language; however, here you can find engineering solutions based on mathematics.
Robotic developers learn how to produce advanced graphs with data from MATLAB. It is very useful in designing the entire robotic system. Also, in the robot industry, it helps to develop deeply rooted robotic foundations. It is a simulation tool to use your algorithms to simulate the result. This simulation helps engineers refine the system design and eliminate errors.
There are examples where people have made an entire robot only with MATLAB. So you can’t overlook it in the top language list. One of the best examples of MATLAB applications is Kuka kr6. Developers have also done the modeling and simulation of this robot using MATLAB.
6. Lisp
Lisp is one of the earliest robotic programming languages. It entered the market to apply mathematical notation in computer programs. Lisp is also in the AI domain and is mainly useful for writing Robot Operating Systems.
It offers tree data structures, automatic storage management, dynamic typing, and elevated-order features. Therefore, it is easy to use and helps eliminate implementation errors after problem identification.
This problem identification process happens during the prototyping phase, not in the production phase. Also, it provides features like the read-eval-print loop and the self-hosting compile.
7. Pascal
Pascal is one of the first programming languages that came into the market. It is still quite helpful, especially for beginners. Also, it is based on the language BASIC and promotes good programming practices. Manufacturers are using Pascal to develop their robotic programming languages.
Examples of such are RAPID of ABB and KRL of Kuka. However, most developers find Pascal outdated for everyday use. Also, they acknowledge its importance for beginners.
It will help you understand other robot programming languages faster. We recommend this for absolute beginners only. You can switch to another language when you have gained some experience in robotics programming.
Conclusion
So, these are our recommendations in robot programming languages. We have mentioned all the pros and cons of each pick. You can select the best language according to your choice. Robotics has a brighter future even than today. So, it is the perfect time to jump into it. Also, nowadays, Robotics is taught in schools.
