Microsoft open sources a simulator that can be used to train drones or robots in a virtual environment that reflects the real world. The training provides data on which algorithms may be built for drones or any autonomous vehicles to respond the right way. Though this does not replace real-world testing, it allows developers more freedom and less expense in operating drones, which could crash on trees or worse hit a passerby.

In recent years, Microsoft has been sharing valuable tools to the open source community. The Microsoft simulator is the latest among many tools as it makes available a beta version of a new simulator for robots and drones. It is called the AirSim for Aerial Informatics and Robotics Simulator. It is now available for free in GitHub.

There have been previous simulators that were made available in the past that aid drones particularly for autonomous operations, but these fail in comparison to AirSim. Microsoft's simulator is more advanced and more precise when it comes to providing navigational challenges that mimic the real world. Engineers can now experiment with training using various real-life actions but in a virtual world.

Microsoft's simulator uses an advanced photorealistic technology able to guide a drone over realistic settings complete with reflections and shadows. Ashish Kapoor, Microsoft researcher in charge of the project, reveals that developers can now experiment with freedom and with no cost. They do not have to worry about drones crashing or hitting people. These types of scenarios entail an additional cost in replacement parts or in litigation, The Verge has learned.

The simulator is also available for autonomous vehicles while Microsoft is planning to further research on computer vision. The Redmond-based tech giant is also interested to helpdata-driveniven machine learning systems. What Microsoft is basically doing with the simulator is to give developers a powerful data-gathering tool where they can build their algorithms from. The AirSim platform also supports DJI and MavLink drones meaning developers do not need to go through the tedious task of writing separate codes, according to The Register.

Microsoft's simulator also includes an extensive list of software to help developers write codes to operate their drones. More tools may be coming as Microsoft plans to add perception abilities and pursue safety on air and on the road. For more details, Microsoft has published a work-in-progress paper that can you can access here. AirSim and its tools can be found in the GitHub repository.

Tags Microsoft