Defining scenarios

Stonefish XML parser

When using the Stonefish library, the simulation scenario can be defined using C++ code or loaded from an XML scenario description file. The second option should be the choice in most situations, as it allows for quick changes in the scenario, without the need for recompiling the code. One of the reasons to use the C++ code is when an extension of the library functionality is needed.

The stonefish_ros package uses the XML parser approach due to its purpose of delivering a standard simulator node, that can be used without the need for recompilation. The parser class was extended to support ROS functionality on top of the core library functionality.

Note

The XML syntax that is necessary to define a simulation scenario is discussed in detail in the Stonefish documentation. Below, only the extensions implemented to support the seamless integration of Stonefish and ROS are presented.

ROS extensions

The following XML syntax extensions were implemented for the Stonefish-ROS integration:

1. Parsing params passed from the launch file:

<robot name="$(param robot_name)">

2. Finding files using names of ROS packages.

<mesh filename="$(find my_package)/data/robot.obj" scale="1.0"/>

3. Definition of topic names, used to publish data from the simulator and receive requests:

   • Robot joint and thruster state

   • Robot servo and thruster setpoints

   • Sensor measurements

   • Trajectory state for animated bodies

   • Desired pose and twist for animated bodies (manual trajectory)

   • Contact information.