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Project DAVE

Page last modified: Nov 29 2023.

System Setup

This guide explains how to build and run the Dave simulation environment. Make sure to review the System Requirements before you begin.

Step 1: Set up Your Development Environment

To build the Dave software, you need a development environment with the necessary dependencies installed (these include ROS, Gazebo and some utilities). There are three ways to do this (Native install on Host Machine, Using Docker Virtual Environment, and Windows WSL2). Choose one of the following options:

Option A: Configure Your Host Machine

Set up your host machine as your development environment.

  • This involves installing all dependencies directly on the host itself.
  • This is the simplest option provided you are willing to set up your machine to use the specific version of Ubuntu/ROS/Gazebo listed in the System Requirements.
  • But this option may not be available if you have Ubuntu version 22.04 Jammy LTS (check with lsb_release -a) where this Option requires you to have Ubuntu 20.04 Focal.

Option B: Use a Docker Image

Set up a Docker container with the necessary dependencies.

  • This involves installing Docker, then installing dependencies into a Docker image.
  • The image functions like a lightweight virtual machine that allows you to build and run Dave.
  • This option is a little more complex conceptually, but has the advantage of leaving the configuration of your host machine (mostly) undisturbed. Also possible to run on different host OS (e.g. Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy Jellyfish)
  • Use this option if you are using the same host for multiple development projects that make use of different software environments (for example, different ROS versions), or just prefer not to install packages on your host system.

Option C: Install on Windows using WSL2

As listed in the system requirements, Dave expects to be run on Ubuntu Linux, and we officially support Ubuntu 20.04/Noetic/Gazebo11. However, users who want to test on Windows without installing linux may use WSL2. This is a native-like method to install Ubuntu on Windows 10 or 11. This is the most complex option, but it is the only option that allows you to run Dave on Windows without installing a virtual machine.

Step 2: Get the Source Code

After completing either Option A or B above, follow this tutorial to clone the Dave repositories.

Step 3: Build the Dave Simulation Environment

Finally, build and run the Dave software itself.

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