SLIM Robotics: Robotics in a Small Team With Space Requirements

Abstract

In this paper, we present the rationale behind our development philosophy and explain which elements we adopted from general software engineering practices of industry, the open source community, embedded, and cloud technologies. We identify aspects of development practices and consider the transition from prototype to product and the difficulties the use of frameworks entails. Along with the explanations, examples, and use cases given, we will relate directly to a payload development for the International Space Station (ISS) with all the intricacies of qualification such as external requirements, and constraints. We hope to add to the scope of roboticists and software/framework developers alike by showing how we developed and improved robotics systems software from early prototypes to production grade-maturity.