RIO embedded control platform for robots

Overview

Autonomous or semi-autonomous robots often require embedded control systems that combine highly intelligent deterministic control and can be easily connected to different sensors and actuators. NI provides a variety of embedded hardware platforms to meet the needs of complex systems. From cutting-edge robotics research projects to advanced industry applications, the NI platform has proven to be an efficient robotics solution.

Reconfigurable I/O (RIO) architecture

NI embedded hardware platforms share a common reconfigurable I/O (RIO) architecture. This architecture integrates real-time processors, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and a variety of I/Os, including analog, digital, motion, and communication I/Os. Using this standard architecture and NI LabVIEW graphical development tools, you can quickly design and prototype robotic systems using flexible, high-performance hardware.

Figure 1: NI RIO deployment curve: multiple embedded hardware solutions for robotics

NI CompactRIO and NI Single-Board RIO

The CompactRIO embedded system features a real-time embedded processor, a four-slot or eight-slot reconfigurable chassis containing a user-programmable FPGA, and hot-swappable industrial I/O modules. This low-cost embedded architecture provides open low-level hardware resources for rapid development of robotic systems. In addition, it includes a mechanical enclosure that provides protection.

Figure 2: Virginia Tech students develop a semi-autonomous ground vehicle based on CompactRIO.

NI Single-Board RIO is a low-cost, board-level embedded system based on the same architecture as CompactRIO. NI Single-Board RIO has onboard analog I/O and digital I/O, and you can expand it with additional I/O modules. Refer to the specifications in Table 1 to determine which RIO hardware platform best suits your application needs.

Figure 3: The flexible walking rover from the USCD Coordinate Robotics Lab is based on the NI single-board RIO.

Table 1: NI RIO hardware comparison

The LabVIEW Robotics Module allows you to easily program real-time processors, reconfigurable FPGAs, and RIO embedded system I/O. The LabVIEW Robotics Module also includes Robotics IP, examples, and sensor and actuator drivers for both real-time module programming and FPGA programming.