Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio 2008 Preview

Robotics is an industry of the future, but we have already seen its first noticeable advancedments since early 1990s, especially in Japan. Obviously, robots also have a very important software component, and Microsoft couldn't have left this area unexplored. Back in 2006, they released Microsoft Robotics Studio 2006, downloaded over 200,000 times since then, and over 50 third parties joined in and created partnerships with Microsoft's robotics division. Now, the Windows-based environment for robot control and simulation from Microsoft got a new preview version...


Available as a free download on the Microsoft robotics website, Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio 2008 comes with several enhancements, such as the ability to record simulation tests for later playback and review, as well as a new floorplan editor, and some other new tools. Even more, Microsoft claims LINQ support has also been improved.

In a statement, Microsoft Robotics Group general manager Tandy Trower said "We launched Microsoft Robotics Studio in 2006 in response to the robotics community's request for a mature platform and toolset that would provide for stability and portability, allowing more people to participate and contribute."

At last, it should be mentioned that Microsoft announced today the robotics competition Robochamps, which will use Robotics Developer Studio 2008 to open up on April 21.