A Java3D-based Tool for the Development of Virtual Robotic Environments

The continuously emerging of new markets in robotics needs to be supported by a corresponding improvement in education and training. As advanced topics in robotic courses require the use of expensive equipment, currently students\u2019 experience with real robots is often limited thus introducing di\ufb03culties in their learning process. This paper describes the ongoing development of an educational tool whose \ufb01nal goal is to simplify the creation of virtual environments allowing users to visualize and interact with three-dimensional robots. The system is implemented using open technologies (Java, Java3D, XML) to provide full portability and interoperability on several computer platforms. Its usefulness has been proven also in research for the implementation of a graphical interface for motion planning applications and for trajectory representation