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Micro-ROS for LoRa-E5

WiseVision MicroRos for LoRa-E5 – What It Is and How It Works​

WiseVisiona MicroRos for LoRa-E5

Introduction​

WiseVision MicroRos for LoRa-E5 is firmware designed for the Wio-E5 Dev Board, enabling communication over LoRaWAN and serial protocols. This solution integrates seamlessly with ROS 2 systems, allowing flexible and efficient management of sensors, ROS messages, and custom actions.

The firmware acts as a bridge, supporting advanced IoT functionalities and ensuring that data flows smoothly between LoRaWAN gateways, ROS 2 networks, and connected sensors.

What Does It Do?​

WiseVision MicroRos for LoRa-E5 provides the following core functionalities:

1. LoRaWAN Communication​

The firmware enables the Wio-E5 Dev Board to:

  • Send and Receive ROS Messages: The board can send ROS messages over LoRaWAN, enabling low-power long-range communication with gateways.
  • Manage Sensors Dynamically:
    • Add Sensors: Connect new sensors by uploading their configurations to the board.
    • Remove or Modify Sensors: Update sensor configurations or remove them as needed.
    • Receive Sensor Data: Collect and transmit data from connected sensors to a LoRaWAN gateway.
  • ROS Subscriber for Topics:
    • The user can create a ROS subscriber on the board. When the board is connected to a system with a Micro-ROS Agent, it will detect matching topics and forward their messages over LoRaWAN to a gateway.
    • Subscribers can also be removed dynamically.
  • Custom Topic Actions:
    • Users can define custom actions triggered by specific ROS topics. These actions allow the board to execute predefined instructions when a message is received on the subscribed topic.

2. Serial Communication with Micro-ROS Agent​

The firmware also supports direct communication over serial:

  • Dynamic Topic Subscriptions:
    • Add or remove topic subscriptions directly via a ROS service communicating with the Micro-ROS Agent..
    • Subscriptions can include custom actions that define how messages on a topic are handled.
  • Publisher for Sensor Data:
    • When connected via serial to a system with the Micro-ROS Agent, the board automatically creates a publisher in the ROS 2 system.
    • This publisher streams data collected from the attached sensors, making it accessible in the ROS 2 environment.

How Does WiseVision MicroRos for LoRa-E5 Work?​

LoRaWAN Communication Flow​

  • Sensors connected to the board transmit data to the Wio-E5.
  • The board processes this data and sends it to a LoRaWAN gateway as ROS messages.
  • Users can configure, modify, or remove sensors remotely through LoRaWAN communication.
  • ROS subscribers created on the board allow the board to listen to topics in a ROS system and forward their messages over LoRaWAN.
  • Custom actions for topics enable the board to perform specific instructions when receiving messages.

Serial Communication Flow​

  • When connected via serial to a system with the Micro-ROS Agent, the board integrates into the ROS 2 network.
  • It creates publishers that stream data from connected sensors into the ROS 2 system.
  • Users can dynamically manage topic subscriptions and assign custom actions via the serial connection.

Key Features​

  1. LoRaWAN Integration:

    • Long-Range Communication: Send ROS messages over long distances with low power consumption.
    • Dynamic Sensor Management: Add, remove, or modify sensors remotely.
    • Custom Actions: Assign custom actions to ROS topics to handle messages with predefined behaviors.
    • Topic Bridging: Forward messages from ROS topics to LoRaWAN gateways.

  2. Micro-ROS Serial Communication:

    • Dynamic Topic Management: Add or remove subscriptions and custom actions via serial.
    • Data Publishing: Automatically create publishers for sensor data when connected to a system with the Micro-ROS Agent.

  3. Dual Communication Modes:

    • Operates over both LoRaWAN and serial, providing flexibility in how data and messages are transmitted.

Written by: Cezary Krzeminski, wisevision

Do you need support with this topic or have questions about your project? Feel free to contact us! support@wisevision.tech