ROS is a new set of navigation tools for robotics. He has a professional development group and a very active community. The documentation is fine, but this is the best I've seen for robotic operating systems.
There are many student project teams that use it.
Check it out at www.ros.org
I will be more specific why ROS is awesome ...
Built-in rviz visualizer / simulator - It has a recording function that will record all messages sent from nodes, this allows you to take a lot of raw data, store it in a "rose bag", and then play it back later when you need to test your AI, but I want to go to bed.
Built-in navigation features
- all you have to do is write data publishers for your sensors. - He has standard messages that need to be filled in order for the stack to have enough information.
There is an advanced Kalman filter, which is pretty awesome because I didn't want to write it. Currently, using this, I will let you know how it turns out.
It also has built-in message levels, so I mean that you can change how serious the printed messages are printed at runtime, which is quite convenient for debugging.
There is a node robot monitor in which you can publish the status of your sensors, and it combines all this information into a graphical interface for your viewing pleasure.
There are already some basic drivers. For example, LICAR SICK is supported right out of the box.
There is also a built-in conversion function that helps you move everything to the correct coordinate system.
ROS was created to work on several computers, but can only work with one.
Data transmission is carried out through TCP ports.
I hope this will be more helpful.