Hello everyone! As I reflect upon my remarkable journey through this year’s Google Summer of Code (GSoC), I’m excited to share the progress I’ve made and the accomplishments achieved in the integration of Visual Circuit within the Robotics Academy ecosystem. Our primary aim was to enhance the accessibility of Visual Circuit by developing a Docker image, streamlining deployment for a wider audience. This integration aimed to seamlessly combine Visual Circuit with Robotics Academy, and I’m thrilled to detail the significant milestones accomplished during this transformative journey.

Prototype 1: Unzipping and Docker Integration

My initial focus was on creating a prototype that involved unzipping a user-provided zip file within the Robotics Academy Docker Image (RADI) environment. This file was then required to execute seamlessly within the Docker container. By overcoming challenges related to pathing and file structure, I successfully accomplished this task, ensuring that uploaded code could be efficiently executed within the Docker image.

Prototype 2: Robotics Application in Docker

Prototype 2 marked a significant advancement, where the emphasis was on executing a robotics application within the Docker environment. I tackled the challenge of launching a line-following robot within the Docker image, and through meticulous implementation, I achieved successful execution. The race car gazebo world, integrated within the Docker environment, flawlessly followed the red line, showcasing the practicality of running complex robotics simulations within a contained ecosystem.

Prototype 3: Visual Circuit Integration

In Prototype 3, the goal was to connect Visual Circuit blocks and create a robotics application. I worked on modifying RADI to enable the unzipping and execution of code with relative file import errors, streamlining the integration process. This prototype showcased the potential of creating sophisticated robotics applications through Visual Circuit and executing them within the Robotics Academy environment.

Final Integration: Visual Circuit and VC+ Collaboration

Indirect Integration:

Direct Integration v1.0:

The final phase of the project focused on the ultimate integration of Visual Circuit and VC+ (Visual Components Plus). This intricate task required amalgamating both components into a single webpage. By strategically implementing changes in both Visual Circuit and VC+ frontends and backends, I successfully merged the two interfaces. This achievement not only demonstrated the seamless coexistence of these platforms but also established a foundation for future developments.

Pull Requests

Acknowledgements

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my mentors, José María Cañas and Toshan Luktuke, for their unwavering guidance, expertise, and support throughout my journey in the Google Summer of Code program. Their valuable insights and patient mentoring have been instrumental in shaping my skills and achieving the project’s goals. Additionally, I want to express my sincere appreciation to Manuel Perez Ramil for his valuable contributions and assistance in resolving challenges during the course of the project.

I am also grateful to the entire JdeRobot community for fostering an environment of collaboration, where ideas flourish and knowledge is shared. Your collective efforts have not only facilitated my project but also enriched my experience as a contributor. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m thankful to have been a part of such a dedicated and supportive community.

Conclusion

As I conclude my GSoC journey, I am grateful for the invaluable mentorship, constant support, and opportunities for growth that the JdeRobot community provided. The experience has not only deepened my technical skills but also enriched my understanding of collaborative open-source development. The journey from unzipping files to the final integration has been an extraordinary learning adventure, and I look forward to seeing the continued impact of Visual Circuit and Robotics Academy for enthusiasts and learners alike.