Formerly known as Dronecode SDK, MAVSDK is a robust and well-tested library that is already being used in production environments.
Open source drone software startup Auterion has announced the release of MAVSDK, a set of libraries in different programming languages that provide a high-level API to the MAVLink protocol for communication between a ground control station and drones, or the drone and a payload sensor.
Formerly known as Dronecode SDK, MAVSDK includes all the features of the previous release, along with many improvements. This new release makes it easier to develop applications in various programming languages.
It also provides pre-built software libraries that allow developers to install MAVSDK and run scripts that automatically enable a variety of actions, within minutes, like take-off and landing, flying to set coordinates or waypoints or activating sensor payloads.
“Until today, customizing operations in the MAVLink protocol required a deep understanding of complex subjects such as embedded systems, drone dynamics and the C++ programming language,” said Kevin Sartori, co-founder of Auterion.
“Now, with MAVSDK, any qualified mobile developer can write high-level code for complex operations, meaning more developers will be able to build custom applications and contribute to the community,” he added.
What makes MAVSDK different from the previous version?
- Provides a high-level, user-friendly API for developers (MAVLink is too basic for many use cases, even with language bindings).
- It allows the community to be cross-platform and supports multiple programming languages in a consistent manner.
- MAVSDK is scalable. Previous solutions, such as the defunct DroneKit, were difficult to maintain because each language had its own implementation.
- The performance and scalability allow the use case for swarm scenarios, which requires a highly efficient backend.
- It empowers the SDK to be extensible for specific use cases and features.
- Most importantly, given the open nature of the MAVSDK, the goal is to enable a grassroots approach to innovation by sharing and collaborating with different “actors” (service providers, manufacturers) on a common API without hindering them from diversifying and improving.
Auterion, as the largest contributor to the project, will be investing and maintaining the SDK. “We see the importance of a performant and rock-solid integration point for leveraging the power of offboard computing and accessing multiple payloads. We will provide seamless integration with it for our customers and partners so that they don’t have to bother with maintaining it,” the company says.
The MAVSDK is licensed under the permissive BSD 3-clause.
Inputs: DroneDj
