How to control the Create 3 with Python?

[Illyvia]

Is there a way to control the create 3 with python? I've just been using the os module but it takes forever, and I wondered If there was a faster way.

[alsora]

Hi @TheInventor2023, ROS 2 has client libraries in several different languages, Python included.
The client libraries are the recommended way to use ROS in real applications, while the command line tools are meant for quick tests and examples.

Find here an example on how to use rclpy library with create 3 to move the robot and change its lights https://github.com/iRobotEducation/create3_examples/tree/galactic/create3_examples_py

[Illyvia]

When I try to run create3_examples/create3_examples_py/create3_examples_py/dance/create3_dance.py it returns No module named 'create3_examples_py and I can't install it.

[alsora]

You should follow the instruction to install it:
https://github.com/iRobotEducation/create3_examples#build-instructions

[Illyvia]

Thanks, It works now! Is there a list of different actions to call in python?

[shamlian]

The list is the same as the ROS 2 API: https://iroboteducation.github.io/create3_docs/api/ros2/ . You will need to implement your own functions to interact with ROS 2 using the rclpy library in Python. For example, look at the dance example to see how the robot can be made to execute a series of movements and lights, or perhaps even better, this example from Tufts University which shows using sensor feedback (from the IR sensors) to control position.

[Illyvia]

Ok, thanks!

[shamlian]

Another potentially very useful video series can be found here: https://edu.irobot.com/units/getting-started-with-ros-2

[Rebecca-iRobot]

I agree with @alsora and @shamlian above :) Additionally, if you are looking for a slightly simpler way to interact with the Create 3 besides using ROS 2, you could always connect via Bluetooth and program it with Python using the iRobot Education Python Web Playground or the iRobot Education Python SDK 😄