Engineering the software of robotic systems

The production of software for robotic systems is often case-specific, without fully following established engineering approaches. Systematic approaches, methods, models, and tools are pivotal for the creation of robotic systems for real-world applications and turn-key solutions. Well-defined (software) engineering approaches are considered the 'make or break' factor in the development of complex robotic systems. The shift towards well-defined engineering approaches will stimulate component supply-chains and significantly reshape the robotics marketplace. The goal of this technical briefing is to provide an overview on the state of the art and practice concerning solutions and open challenges in the engineering of software required to develop and manage robotic systems. Model-Driven Engineering (MDE) is discussed as a promising technology to raise the level of abstraction, promote reuse, facilitate integration, boost automation and promote early analysis in such a complex domain.