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App User Manual

Learn how to use the Emio Labs application.

Introduction​

Welcome to the user manual of the software Emio Labs. This desktop application is designed to teach soft robotics through interactive labs. This manual will guide you through the application's features and help you navigate the learning process.

Getting Started​

System Requirements​

Ensure your system meets the following minimum requirements:

  • Operating System (OS) minimum: Windows 10, Ubuntu 22.04 or MacOS14
  • RAM: 8GB minimum, 16GB recommended
  • Storage: 2GB free space

Installation​

Visit our website and download the Emio Labs application for free. After completing a form, you'll receive an email with download links. Choose the version that matches your operating system. Each version comes in three formats: an installer, a portable, or a .zip file containing the binaries.

requirements

  • To use the portable .AppImage, install libfuse2: sudo apt install libfuse2

  • When trying to connect the real robot, if you get a [Errno 13] Permission denied: '/dev/ttyUSB0' message. Run the following command in terminal: sudo chmod 777 /dev/ttyUSB0. Make sure that the name of the USB port matches the one from the error message.

  1. Installer. If you have downloaded an installer .deb, run it and follow the on-screen instructions. When the installation is completed, simply search for the Emio Labs application on your computer, as you would do with any other software.
  2. Portable. If you have downloaded a portable .AppImage, untar the file, the Emio Labs application is the resulting executable file.
  3. Binaries. If you have downloaded the .zip file, first, unzip the directory. The Emio Labs application is then located at the root of the directory.

Once installed, try the Emio Labs application.

important

A directory ~/emio-labs containing all the assets (labs, python scripts, meshes, etc.) is created in your Home directory after the first run of the application. The application uses the files of this directory. If you make modifications and want to reset the directory to its original state, simply delete or remove it from your Home directory, then rerun the application.

Application Overview​

Emio Labs consists of several key components:

  • Main Dashboard: Navigate between different labs and access resources.
  • Lab Environment: Interactive space where you'll follow learning materials and complete exercises and simulations.
  • Simulation Interface (sofa-robotics): Launch and interact with the numerical twin of Emio.
  • To reset the application go to Edit > Reset App in the main menu bar. This will reset the quiz, select the default parameters in the labs, etc.
emio labs overview
The Emio Labs application on the Introduction page. The main dashboard is located at the top of each page.

The original content of Emio Labs created by Compliance Robotics offers a series of labs covering various aspects of soft robotics:

  • Modeling
  • Inverse Kinematics
  • Pick & Place
  • Design
  • Closed Loop

To access a lab:

  1. Click on the desired lab from the main dashboard.
  2. Read the lab overview and objectives.
  3. Follow the step-by-step instructions within each lab.

If you want to create your own content, you can follow this documentation.

Using the Simulation Software​

The simulation software provides a numerical twin of Emio for experimentation:

  • Each lab contains exercise sections within you could be asked to launch the simulation corresponding to the exercise.
  • To launch the simulation, click the SOFA button within the section.
  • For information about the simulation software, follow the SOFA Robotics docs.
overview of an exercise section
Example of a lab exercise. Notice the SOFA button at the bottom of the section. Follow the instructions and click on this button to launch the simulation of the exercise.

Piloting the Real Device​

After completing the requirements in simulation, you may have the opportunity to pilot the real soft robot:

  • Ensure the physical device is properly connected and powered on.
  • Toggle the "Simulation/Robot" button at the top of the simulation software to establish a connection between the simulator and the real device. When in "Robot" mode, pressing the play button will send simulation commands directly to the real device.
  • And finally use the interface controls to pilote Emio (see the SOFA Robotics docs).

Sandbox​

The Emio Labs application offers a sandbox mode which allow you to set up Emio exactly as you want. Using the original set of legs and connectors or your own designed parts. In the main dashboard click on the Sandbox link to open the corresponding page:

  1. Follow the instructions to help you set up your Emio and the numerical twin.
  2. Launch the corresponding simulation by clicking on the SOFA button as usual, and enjoy.

Additional Resources​

Access supplementary materials through this website, including:

For additional help or inquiries, please contact our support team using this form.