Ratbot
An open and modular robotic platform for research and education.
Ratbot combines custom electronics, real-time embedded software and ROS 2 to support experiments in autonomous navigation, multi-robot systems and artificial intelligence.
The project
A mobile robot designed to be opened
Ratbot is an open, modular mobile robotic platform for research and teaching. It exposes a standard ROS 2 interface and can be used on its own or integrated into larger systems.
Built for
Includes
- A differential mobile base
- A custom STM32H750 electronics board
- Motors with encoders
- Communication interfaces and sensors
- Real-time firmware with FreeRTOS and micro-ROS
- An on-board computer running ROS 2
- A modular hardware and software architecture
Open Hardware
Custom electronics, mechanics and firmware, open to study and reuse.
Embedded Intelligence
Real-time control and on-board computation for autonomous behaviour.
ROS 2 Ready
A standard ROS 2 interface, usable alone or within larger systems.
Research & Education
A reproducible platform for experiments and teaching.
Philosophy
Not only a rolling robot
Ratbot is an open, reproducible and evolving experimental platform. Its electronics, firmware, ROS 2 software and mechanics can be studied, modified and reused.
- Openness
- Modularity
- Reproducibility
- Frugality
- Full hardware & software control
- Research & education
Architecture
Three layers, one platform
From the mechanical base up to the research software, each layer can be studied and replaced independently.
ROS 2 applications and research software
High-level navigation, mapping and experiments running under ROS 2.
STM32 firmware with FreeRTOS and micro-ROS
Real-time motor control and odometry, bridged to ROS 2.
Mechanical and electronic platform
Differential base, custom STM32H750 board, motors and sensors.
Gallery
Hardware and design
Ratbot prototype 
Custom electronics 
Control board — reverse side
Build, understand and extend Ratbot
Explore the hardware, firmware and ROS 2 documentation.