Old thread, but here is something regarding ROS on the new 2015 control system.
from
https://decibel.ni.com/content/docs/DOC-30419
NI roboRIO Details and Specifications
new comment by DAQjr View all comments on this document
dmaki wrote:
What Linux Distro will be running on the RoboRIO? What are the real time extensions?
I would like to see if I can get it to run ROS. ROS.org
Do you think that would be a technical possibility?
I was recently asked for my input on potential rule changes. If a robot could potentially run ROS, a rule may need to be made to allow it or disallow it.
Dustin Maki
Hueter added links to the FAQ about the OS and what real-time extensions are. The distribution is called NI Linux Real-Time. It is built with Open Embedded.
I see no reason that ROS would not build for the roboRIO with no issues. Google says:
http://wiki.ros.org/ROS/CrossCompiling
I don't think there's a reason why ROS would require a rule change.