ROS2 as an Enabler for a Business Ecosystem: Industrial Collaboration Case Study

Machine automation has given rise to a rapidly expanding industry, with numerous software and hardware companies developing independent components for systems like Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs). The industry, however, grapples with high development costs, vendor lock-in, and the need for tailored solutions. The second iteration of the Robot Operating System, ROS2, offers a promising remedy by providing reusable software packages and enabling interoperability through middleware. By facilitating communication between diverse software components, ROS2 encourages collaborative development among multiple companies, thereby reducing redundant efforts and spurring industrial innovation. In this paper, we explore how ROS2 fosters industrial collaboration and the challenges of integrating heterogeneous components through a business use case involving multiple companies. Our findings, derived from interviews with industry representatives, highlight both the potential and the limitations of ROS2 as a platform for scalable, decentralized development.