Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio

Robotics Developer Studio, or RDS, is an environment made by Microsoft to develop and test projects on robotics. This is a major step by Microsoft indeed, to promote hobbyists as well as professional developers. Using this Windows-based suite, not only can we write code for a robot, but simulate a virtual prototype in a real world scenario using the state-of-the-art simulation engine. Whats looks so unique about this software is the fact that the RDS has not been built with the expert in mind, rather a beginner. Technically speaking, the learning curve is smooth and provides ample opportunities for experimentation.

Programmers can choose between the the familiar Visual studio and Visual Programming Language or VPL. VPL can be called a beginner's programming platform with a simple drag 'n' drop interface through which we can generate C# code. So you can understand how easy it is to code for an application using RDS.

The most important feature in this studio is the simulation. Now all of us must have seen the port-based emulation feature of IDE's like KEIL, etc. RDS goes way beyond testing with its 3-D simulation software. Not that there is a parallel here, but it definitely shows how far Microsoft has taken the concept of simulation. RDS allows us to directly test the behavior of our robot in a physics-based virtual world. Not only our software, but also the feasibility of the concept can be checked by testing it against a variety of environments.

Microsoft has provided several tutorials for getting a good start on their product. Besides this, external help has also been provided by software developers all over the world and their programs are just a few clicks away.

A let-down for the average Indian student is, however the requirements. The RDS does require a decent configuration of a PC in order to work its magic. Well this is mainly due to the Graphics requirements and overall PC specs that people normally don't think about when buying PC's. This problem can be solved easily with some minor and cheap upgrades.
The software in itself is completely free, and easily available from the Microsoft website. However you may be required to download and install additional software or drivers if you do not already have them, which is highly unlikely if you are a developer.

Overall, this amazing software by Microsoft is bound to raise eyebrows and most importantly, raise standards. It will get a thumb's up from all types of users, whether commercial or not, simply because of its quality and easy-to-use features.