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Why open source and ROS? Schunk took its first steps with ROS back in 2014. The challenge for a manufacturer like Schunk is that different robot manufacturers have their own proprietary programming interfaces (APIs). This means that individual software solutions have to be developed for each new integration, which is costly and time-consuming. ROS offers a standardized middleware that acts as a bridge between different robot systems and accelerates software development.

Standardization through ROS. The biggest hurdle in robotics is the lack of standardized interfaces. While standardized software platforms are increasingly accepted in the automotive industry, the picture in robotics is still fragmented. The use of ROS as middleware makes it possible to develop software independently of the specific robot platform. This allows developers to concentrate on functional extensions instead of having to rewrite basic integrations again and again.

Cost benefits and increased efficiency. Thanks to the modular structure of ROS, Schunk can significantly reduce development time and costs. According to Peper, the development time for new plug-ins is reduced by up to two thirds. Schunk's management has recognized that it makes economic sense to invest in open source because it frees up resources for innovative developments.

Open source as a competitive advantage. A widespread concern in the industry is that open source could reduce its own competitive advantage. Peper takes a different view: “Schunk's real added value lies in the hardware and the specific functions, not in the basic software technology. Schunk can achieve greater market penetration through open source, as developers and customers can work with their grippers more quickly and easily.

Community and collaboration. Schunk is not just a consumer of open source, but an active contributor to the ROS community. The published drivers and tools on GitHub show that open source is not just a strategic decision, but a lived approach. Schunk sees a high download count for their open source components, which extends the reach of their software well beyond the company's own website.

The future of ROS in industry. While ROS is already widely used in mobile robotics, the system is now also beginning to establish itself in industrial robotics. Peper sees the next few years as crucial for further acceptance. As soon as a few large manufacturers decide in favor of ROS, this could trigger a domino effect. Especially for young engineers coming out of universities, ROS is already a standard, which makes the transition to industry easier.

Conclusion: With its open source strategy, Schunk is focusing on future viability, scalability and efficiency. The use of ROS enables faster development, reduces costs and increases the acceptance of industrial robotics. The company shows that open source is not only relevant for software companies, but can also offer considerable added value for machine manufacturers.