ROS 2: what it means.
ROS provides a software development platform with tools and libraries for robotics applications. The project describes ROS 2 support across operating systems and embedded environments, with platform support depending on the release and configuration. (ROS: robotics software platform)
The application framework, operating system and hardware are different layers. Choosing ROS 2 does not by itself select a processor, establish every timing guarantee or complete the physical robot design. (ROS: robotics software platform)
Put the definition to work.
Keep the layers separate: ROS 2 helps build robot applications, an operating system manages computing resources, and ICs execute the software and interface with hardware. (ROS 2 documentation)
Questions to ask next.
Use these questions as a reading checklist, not as a device-selection recommendation. Exact manufacturer documentation takes priority over a general definition.
- Supported release and platform
- Required packages and hardware interfaces
- Timing and application integration needs
For the broader explanation, explore the electronics inside robots. This page defines the term; the companion guide connects it to the rest of the system.
Common ROS 2 questions.
Does ROS 2 replace the underlying operating system?
ROS 2 supports development on underlying platforms such as Linux and other operating systems. Treat it as part of the software stack rather than assuming the name means a replacement for every OS function. (ROS: robotics software platform)