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Microsoft Unveils Robotics Studio, a New Windows-Based Development Environment

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Microsoft has addressed a critical challenge in the robotics industry by releasing its Windows-based development environment, Microsoft Robotics Studio. This platform allows developers to create robotic software for a wide range of hardware platforms, enabling innovation in robotics applications from surveillance robots to robotic arms in surgery. The company has also introduced a new third-party partner program, featuring applications, services, and robots from independent software vendors, service providers, and robot manufacturers. More than 30 vendors have already pledged support for Microsoft Robotics Studio, which is available for download and evaluation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft Robotics Studio is a Windows-based development environment that enables developers to create robotic software for a wide variety of hardware platforms.
  • The platform includes a scalable and extensible service-based architecture, supporting multiple programming languages, including C#, Visual Basic, and IronPython.
  • Commercial robot developers can license the development platform starting at $399, while hobbyists, students, and academics can license it free of charge.
  • Over 100,000 developers have downloaded the preview releases of Microsoft Robotics Studio, and the company has quickly built a strong community.
  • Microsoft has secured support from more than 30 vendors, including iRobot, KUKA Robot Group, and ParsLogic.
  • The company is working closely with top universities and research institutions in the area of robotics, such as the Institute for Personal Robots in Education and the Center for Innovative Robotics.
  • Microsoft will support RoboCup 2007, a leading international robotics competition, and is a primary sponsor of the event.

Statistics:

  • Over 100,000 developers have downloaded the preview releases of Microsoft Robotics Studio.
  • More than 30 vendors have pledged support for Microsoft Robotics Studio, including iRobot, KUKA Robot Group, and ParsLogic.
  • Commercial robot developers can license the development platform starting at $399.
  • Hobbyists, students, and academics can license the development platform free of charge.
  • Microsoft plans to work with over 139 countries and territories in the EMEA region.
  • The company has operated in EMEA since 1982.

Sources:

  • Microsoft Robotics Studio: http://microsoft.com/robotics
  • Microsoft Press Centre: http://www.microsoft.com/emea/presscentre
  • Microsoft EMEA website: http://www.microsoft.com/emea
  • NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com
  • PRN Photo Desk: photodesk@prnewswire.com
  • Microsoft Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO
  • Microsoft Corporation website: http://www.microsoft.com

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