Product overview and engineering role
The SimtoLink ROS 2 robot edge controller is for on-site control in the ROS 2 ecosystem: AMRs, collaborative arms, and composite robots. The ratings here are for selection, for a tender clause, and for a later spot check. Middleware and a real-time patch policy can ship preinstalled, depending on the model, and laser, camera, IMU, and drive control share one time base. Multiple Ethernet ports, CAN, and isolated I/O face the station safety interlock. Signed firmware and OTA updates support volume delivery and remote maintenance.
The default interface set, which depends on the order code, includes several gigabit Ethernet ports, CAN-FD, isolated digital and analog I/O, and sensor ports such as USB3 and GigE Vision, so the controller can join drives, a safety chain, and vision. SimtoLink supplies ROS 2 domain examples, a sensor calibration package, and EtherCAT slave templates to shorten joint commissioning. Volume builds can include guidance on cable strain relief and grounding practice.
Reliability and field fit
Electrical safety and EMC coverage includes the salt-spray and vibration type tests that apply. Ports are protected against surge and reversed polarity. Reinforced grounding and a partitioned layout reduce ground-loop and common-mode interference. Outdoor or coastal sites can use a higher ingress rating and a corrosion-resistant coating.
Software can set the ROS 2 domain and DDS, push a sensor calibration package, and follow a recording policy where the ordered model supports it. System and middleware patches update over the air. On site, finish a power-on self-test, check the time base and the TF tree, and spot-check the control loop. For metering or safety use, SimtoLink helps prepare a submission to a third-party metrology institute and supplies type-test documents.
Key hardware parameters
Ratings below are for a typical ROS 2 controller build, for selection and for technical clauses in a tender. For a wider range, redundant power, or an intrinsically safe version, ask SimtoLink for the hardware specification and the installation and commissioning guide. Order codes in the family can differ slightly; the nameplate and the documents shipped with the unit govern.
| Parameter | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Compute platform | x86 or ARM + optional discrete GPU (by order code) | Perception fusion and SLAM loads differ widely |
| Real-time behavior | Linux RT / PREEMPT_RT and similar patch policies (by model) | Control cycle from measured results |
| Memory | 16～32 GB; ECC model optional | Point-cloud and image buffer |
| Storage | NVMe SSD | Bag recording and log retention can be set |
| Sensing and vision | USB3 / GigE Vision / MIPI and similar (by model) | Designed with the drive-control cycle |
| Middleware and containers | ROS 2 + optional Docker | OTA and image version matrix |
| Network and bus | Dual GbE; CAN-FD / EtherCAT optional | PTP/IEEE 1588 depends on the NIC and topology |
| Operating temperature | -20～55 ℃ (typical) | Vehicle and outdoor builds can be ordered |
| Power | DC 12～48 V | Isolation and soft-start protection |
| Mechanical | Wall mount / bracket | Vibration resistance and cable retention |
Typical applications
Four ways this controller is usually deployed, for solution design and for judging return on investment:
Warehouse AMR dispatch
Multi-vehicle SLAM, obstacle avoidance, and the task queue close on the edge, so wireless jitter has less effect on cycle time.
Collaborative-robot line
Force control, visual servoing, and the safety PLC share one trigger source, for the safety zones in ISO/TS.
Inspection and cleaning robots
Sensor fusion and path recording stay on the robot. Tasks and map increments sync on a schedule.
Research and teaching
One ROS 2 lab image and a hardware abstraction layer, so a course or a project stands up in less time.
Installation, grounding, and maintenance
- Check supply range and polarity before you apply power. Where the drawing is doubtful, measure bus voltage and breaker rating.
- Run communications on shielded twisted pair, ground the shield at one end only, and do not share a long route with high-power cables.
- In the lab, finish a two-way read and write and a threshold trip with the platform before the controller goes outside.
- An outdoor mount needs drainage and airflow. Recheck the seal on a schedule. Lightning-earth resistance must meet the local rule.
- While the controller stays in service, check temperature and disk health every 6 months, and archive the sensor time base and key-node logs.
Ordering, documentation, and support
Ask SimtoLink for the hardware specification, outline drawings, a wiring table, and example projects. A volume order can include a sample review and an inspector at the plant. Warranty and calibration follow the contract and the papers packed with the unit.