The initial version of the Simulink FRC library will not include Java code generation (It is our expectation that although you can look at and edit the generated code, most teams will not have to or want to). However, we welcome any attempts to extend the library; if you are interested in pursuing the idea of Simulink -> Java code generation for FRC, please contact [email protected]
The Simulink FRC Library (and any required MathWorks products) will be freely available for any FRC teams that request it from us.
Teams that are beta-testing the FRC Library for Simulink (and eventually, any FRC team that uses the library) will get access to a standard bundle of MathWorks products. This bundle includes Simulink 3D Animation (the virtual 3d environment). It does not come with 3D modeling components for FRC robots; however, you can build and view custom VRML worlds, or import VRML worlds built in some other application.
One problem with creating a virtual robot library is the sheer variety of FRC robot designs; also, how would the kinematics be calculated? I know some teams have looked at SimMechanics and SimDriveline. I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts on whether these products would be relevant/useful for your team.
I would like to learn more about the FRC Library testing for Simulink. Are these libraries available right now? If not, when will they be available? Where are they going to be posted?
We are still developing the library. It is “available” in the sense that we are inviting teams to help us with beta-testing it. Once the beta-test is done, the goal is to have it ready by early fall, and we will probably announce it on these forums along with procedures for how FRC teams can get the library & related MathWorks products.
Feel free to send me an email if you have any questions.
It does not come with 3D modeling components for FRC robots; however, you can build and view custom VRML worlds, or import VRML worlds built in some other application.
I think a simple 4 wheel or 6 wheel robot that just integrates wheel speeds to get movement would suffice to test basic maneuvering scripts. Many of the engineering mentors can build the necessary dynamic models and make them available to others. Eventually, more complicated models with 3D modeling components could be added. Simple arms with a few joints can be easily modeled but ball harvesters etc would be problematic.
I know some teams have looked at SimMechanics and SimDriveline. I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts on whether these products would be relevant/useful for your team.
It would nice to have the forces modeled , especially wheel friction and dynamic loading but I think adding another modeling language would be a burden for most teams. However, if these programs were available, some clever teams could develop the dynamics of a basic 6 wheel robot and generate the simulink code from it for others to use on a parametric basis.