Installation Class 1

Useful Links:

Resources, Slides and Guides: https://github.com/Bakel-Bakel/aurora...
Extra Study Material: https://github.com/Bakel-Bakel/aurora...
Workshop Practicals: https://github.com/Bakel-Bakel/aurora...
Workshop Practical Solutions: https://github.com/Bakel-Bakel/task-4...
Workshop Docs: https://github.com/Bakel-Bakel/roboti...

About Video:
The video is the first installation class focusing on setting up the necessary tools for robotics, primarily on Windows using the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL).

Key Topics and Tools:

Main Tools: The workshop will use ROS 2, Gazebo, and RViz.

ROS 2 (Robot Operating System 2): Organizes robot software into components called nodes.

Gazebo: A simulator that allows for testing robot operations in a software environment without physical limitations.

RViz: A visualization tool that allows users to see things like maps, environments, and how robot parts connect.

Programming Languages: Python (version 3.x) and C++ will be used, with Rust being an optional language.

Development Tools: Git, GitHub, and VS Code are recommended.

Extras: Docker and OpenCV. OpenCV is used for computer vision, allowing a robot to "see" and identify objects and colors.

Docker: Explained as a container or a "portable operating system". It is often used in trainings to provide a pre-made environment. The speaker, however, prefers that attendees learn to set up the environment themselves to gain intricate understanding.

Operating System Discussion:
Linux is King: Linux is the common OS in robotics. The speaker explained that Microsoft Windows prioritizes "grace" and robust fail-safe mechanisms, which take up significant resources. In contrast, Linux allows for real-time and low-level access to the kernel, making things faster and more efficient for robotics.

ROS History: ROS was developed by Willow Garage starting in 2007 to create a standardization for robotics. They chose Linux because it is free (open-source), unlike Windows which requires a paid license. While ROS now exists for Windows and Mac, it has serious limitations.

Installation Options:

Option 1 (Linux): Switching entirely to Linux or using dual boot (Windows and Linux). This is recommended for those committed to long-term robotics work.

Option 2 (Windows Subsystem for Linux - WSL): Installing Ubuntu inside Windows. This is the focus of the current installation class. WSL allows users to install Ubuntu and then ROS on Windows.

Option 3 (Direct ROS on Windows): Installing ROS directly on Windows. The speaker warns against this due to limited support and difficulty finding solutions when issues arise.

Mac Users: Mac is not typically the go-to option for robotics. Mac users may require a special, tailored approach, potentially using a Docker container, because the necessary animation rendering tools (QT OpenGL) are not well supported.
Installation Walkthrough (WSL on Windows):

The speaker walked attendees through the installation of WSL and Ubuntu. The first command provided was: WSL install -d Ubuntu 22.04.
This process installs the virtual machine platform, WSL, and Ubuntu 22.04.
The speaker advised attendees to reboot their system after the first stage is complete.
After rebooting, Ubuntu should launch and prompt the user to create a password.
Class Logistics:
Attendees were asked to keep their mics muted, use the chat box for questions, or use the "raise your hand" option.
The speaker recommended having a note open because the class would discuss concepts new to some.
All slides, codes, and materials will be shared and can be used and shared freely.