Model-driven software systems engineering in robotics: Covering the complete life-cycle of a robot

Abstract

Abstract Robotic systems are complex, software intensive and heterogeneous composite systems. Software systems engineering and system integration is still a major challenge in robotics. We describe how component based software engineering (CBSE), model-driven software development (MDSD) and domain-specific languages (DSLs) for variability management complement each other in addressing the robotics software challenge. We outline how these approaches pave the way towards a software business ecosystem in robotics. We put a focus onto challenges still being considered as open and worth being addressed next.