ValRS

ValRS is a lightweight, open-source, and modular framework designed for developing real-time systems, particularly in the field of robotics and automation. Created as a fork of the Robotic Operating System (ROS) 1, ValRS aims to provide a simplified and efficient alternative for building and deploying distributed robotic applications. It inherits many core functionalities from ROS 1, such as node communication via topics, services, and action servers, but with reduced overhead and improved performance.

The framework is built using modern C++ and Python interfaces, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of hardware and software components. ValRS emphasizes modularity, allowing developers to integrate custom modules, sensors, and actuators while maintaining a clean and scalable architecture. It supports real-time capabilities through low-latency communication protocols and is optimized for edge computing scenarios, where computational resources may be limited.

Key features of ValRS include its lightweight design, which reduces memory and processing demands compared to ROS 1, and a simplified build system that streamlines deployment. The framework also provides tools for debugging, logging, and visualization, making it easier to monitor and troubleshoot robotic systems. Additionally, ValRS includes support for ROS 1 compatibility layers, allowing developers to migrate existing ROS 1-based projects with minimal effort.

ValRS is distributed under an open-source license, encouraging community contributions and collaboration. It is particularly useful for researchers, engineers, and hobbyists working on projects that require real-time performance without the complexity of larger frameworks. While still evolving, ValRS seeks to bridge the gap between traditional robotic frameworks and modern, high-performance computing needs.