Turtlebot4 robot development chassis intelligent robot autonomous navigation ROS2 open source system SLAM Turtlebot 4

Next-generation robotics learning platform now available for order

WATERLOO – May 4, 2022 –  Clearpath Robotics, a manufacturer of mobile robotic platforms for research and development, and Open Robotics, primary maintainers of the Robot Operating System (ROS) and Gazebo simulator, today launched TurtleBot 4 – the next generation of the world’s most popular open-source robotics platform. TurtleBot 4 is a low-cost, fully expandable mobile robotics platform with improved sensing, increased payload capacity, ROS 2 support, and auto-docking capabilities for educators, researchers, and developers.

“This year marks ten years since we started working with the Open Robotics’ founding team on the Turtlebot 2,” said Bryan Webb, President of Clearpath Robotics. “We are very excited to continue our support for the open source community by providing cutting-edge technology for robotics research, development, and education. Turtlebot 4 offers automatic charging, the latest sensors, and computing, as well as larger and heavier payload support. Furthermore, Clearpath Robotics is committed to offering a world-class user experience at an affordable price point.” 

Do More with TurtleBot 4:

TurtleBot 4 is available in two models: TurtleBot 4 Standard and TurtleBot 4 Lite. Both versions are built on the iRobot® Create® 3 educational robot, which provides an array of built-in technology including an inertial measurement unit (IMU), optical floor tracking sensor, wheel encoders, and infrared sensors for accurate localization, navigation, and telepresence. A 2D LiDAR and a front-facing spatial AI stereo camera are fully integrated with the mobile base, making it ideal for SLAM and AI-based testing. Both models include a charging dock, allowing for autonomous docking and battery charging.

With the Standard model, users can easily customize and expand the capabilities of the robot by integrating additional sensors and accessories via the accessible powered USB hub, power breakouts, and the top mounting plate. A programmable LCD screen allows users to quickly display information from any of the ROS topics. The platform’s IP address is also displayed, allowing users to quickly connect to the robot via WiFi.

The First TurtleBot Designed For ROS 2:

TurtleBot 4 is equipped with a powerful Raspberry Pi 4 computer running ROS 2 – the industry standard open-source software for robotics development. All onboard sensor data are available as ROS topics via the network-connected ROS 2 API.

New to Robotics?  Get Started Fast: 

TurtleBot 4 is shipped fully assembled with ROS 2 pre-installed and configured along with detailed user documentation, a Gazebo simulation model, and demo code, allowing users to get started right out-of-the-box. TurtleBot 4 also comes with comprehensive courseware material, including lesson plans, lecture content, tutorials, and sample tests, allowing educators to easily integrate TurtleBot into robotics training courses.

“We’re excited to be launching the first TurtleBot designed for ROS 2 from the ground up. I’m humbled by the success of the TurtleBot to date and looking forward to seeing how TurtleBot 4 takes the robotics community forward,” said Tully Foote, Co-creator of the TurtleBot and Community & Business Development Manager at Open Robotics. “More than 16,000 TurtleBots are already out in the world, and Clearpath is the perfect partner to deliver the next 16,000 and more.”