ROScompatible

ROScompatible is a term used to describe software or hardware components that can operate within the Robot Operating System (ROS) ecosystem by implementing the standard interfaces, message types, and interaction patterns defined by ROS. It signals that a component can participate in ROS tools, workflows, and node graphs without requiring extensive adaptation.

The concept applies to both ROS 1 and ROS 2. In ROS 1, compatibility centers on publishing and subscribing to topics, providing and calling services, and using standard message types through the roscpp or rospy client libraries. In ROS 2, compatibility extends to the newer client libraries (rclcpp and rclpy), DDS-based middleware, and features such as QoS policies, lifecycle nodes, and actions. Across versions, adherence to common naming conventions, parameter usage, and packaging practices helps ensure interoperability with other ROS components and tooling.

Achieving ROS compatibility typically involves implementing a ROS node that can be built and run within a ROS workspace, exposing standard interfaces, and following established packaging rules. For ROS 1, this includes CMake and package.xml declarations and generation of appropriate message headers. For ROS 2, it involves ament-based packaging and proper integration with the ROS 2 build system and message definitions. Developers often validate ROS compatibility through integration tests, navigation and visualization tools, and playback of standard message streams.

There is no single official ROS compatibility certification. However, ROS 2 provides conformance tests to assess implementations against core interfaces, and many projects pursue community-driven validation to demonstrate interoperability. Examples of ROScompatible components include drivers that publish sensor_msgs data or controllers that subscribe to trajectory commands and publish joint states. By conforming to ROS interfaces, such components can be more readily reused and integrated within broader ROS ecosystems.