ARC 2025.01.15.00 (Pro and Runtime)

(Autonomous Robot Control Software)
Make robots with the easiest robot programming software. Experience user-friendly features that make any robot easy to program.

Change Release Notes

Welcome to the latest update of Synthiam ARC! This release is packed with exciting new features and improvements to enhance your robot-building experience. Here's what's new:

New Features

HBridge and HBridge PWM Movement Panel Improvements

  • The HBridge and HBridge PWM Movement Panels now support operation on different EZB indexes.
  • The EZB index is determined by the board index of the ports, ensuring flexibility and compatibility.
  • Note: All digital and PWM ports in the configuration must belong to the same EZB index. For example, if using EZB index 1, all related ports must also be on index 1.

Remote Access Service (RAS)

  • Introduced a powerful new feature: Remote Access Service (RAS).
  • RAS is a remote desktop-like service, similar to VNC, that allows you to:
    • Remotely control your robot from another device.
    • Access media redirection features, enabling you to use the microphone and speaker of your remote client.
  • For more information on configuring and using RAS, check out the official guide.

Updates & Fixes

Python Interpreter Update

  • The Python interpreter has been updated to version 3.4.2, bringing better performance and compatibility for Python-based robot scripts.

Map Function Fix

  • Resolved an issue where the internal Map() function would return zero under specific circumstances.
  • This fix addresses servo position-related errors, ensuring servos move to the correct position as intended.

HTTP Server Command List Fix

  • Fixed an issue where the HTTP server did not correctly obtain the ControlCommand() list in the script editor, improving overall functionality and reliability.

UC Graph Disposal Fix

  • Resolved issues with UC graph disposal. Previously, ARC logs mentioned uc graph as a disposed object. This fix ensures proper handling and prevents unnecessary log errors.

Bing Speech Recognition Default Script

  • Added a default script for the Bing Speech Recognition robot skill.
  • When this skill is added, the robot will immediately speak what it hears through the PC speaker. This allows users to experience its capabilities without writing custom code.

Multi Instances of ARC

  • Fix where ARC would raise an error if a second copy was launched at the same time. This was a bugfix with the internal CEF Chromium browser library which affected the last release of ARC. It has now been resolved in this release.

Audio Library Update

  • Updated the audio library to the latest release.
  • Includes Synthiam-specific enhancements for improved stability and performance.

Miscellaneous

  • Enhanced overall system stability and performance for a smoother user experience.

Thank you for using Synthiam ARC! Your feedback drives these updates, so please keep sharing your thoughts. Let's continue to make robotics awesome together!


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(Version 2022.02.22.00)
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(Version 2025.01.21.00)

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(Version 2025.01.21.00)
  • Minimum requirements are Windows 10 or higher with 2+gb ram and 500+MB free space.
  • Recommended requirements are Windows 10 or higher with 8+gb ram and 1000+MB free space.
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  • See what's new in the latest versions with Release notes.

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Usage Personal
DIY
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Education
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Early access to new features & fixes Yes
Simultaneous microcontroller connections* 1 255
Robot skills* 20 Unlimited
Skill Store plugins* 1 Unlimited
Cognitive services usage** 10/day 6,000/day
Auto-positions gait actions* 40 Unlimited
Speech recongition phrases* 10 Unlimited
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Vision resolution max 320x240 Unlimited
Interface builder* 2 Unlimited
Cloud project size 128 MB
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#1  

This looks like an interesting and exciting update. Thanks.

I focused in on the new RAS feature. I can see how this addition will really make things easier for builders running a SBC on their robot. I do have a question about this though. There are some intriguing features that caught my eye. One being the media redirection features, enabling you to use the microphone and speaker of your remote client. I can see how this could be very beneficial and I'd like to explore it.

However, the attached manual for the Remote Access Service Client (RASC) says it runs on mobile devices like Android or Chromebooks. Currently I'm using a laptop winning Windows to remote into my headless SBC mounted on my robot. I use Tight VNC (as suggested in the guides here) to make the connection between the two. MY EZB's on the robot, the SBC mounted on the robot and the remote laptop are all connected to my home wifi network so they can work together through Tight VNC. Also the onboard SBC does connect to the internet so ARC running on it can retrieve info from out in the wild. It all works wonderfully.

If I missed the answer in the manual please forgive but can I keep using my original laptop instead of switching over to an android device or Chromebook? If so how would I set up the connections? I have a feeling I'd need a second wifi dongle on the SBC mounted on the robot for a second WIFI connection?

Thanks in advance for any insight into this matter. @Athena . Can you comment on my question?

#2  

@Athena and others, Correction in my last post. My EZB's are connected directly to the onboard the robot's SBC through USB. They are not connected to my home network though WIFI. sorry for any confusion.

PRO
Canada
#3  

Hello Dave,

The new Remote Access Service (RAS) feature in ARC is indeed a great addition for those using SBCs on their robots. It allows for more seamless control and interaction with your robot from a remote device. Let's address your question about using your Windows laptop instead of an Android device or Chromebook.

Using RAS with a Windows Laptop

Currently, the Remote Access Service Client (RASC) is designed for mobile devices like Android and Chromebooks. However, you can still use your Windows laptop to connect to your SBC using traditional methods like Tight VNC, as you have been doing. The RAS feature is an additional option for those who prefer using mobile devices.

Setting Up Connections

  1. Current Setup with Tight VNC:

    • Continue using Tight VNC on your Windows laptop to connect to the SBC on your robot. This setup allows you to control the SBC and access ARC running on it.

  2. Using RAS:

    • If you wish to explore RAS, you would need a compatible device (Android or Chromebook) to use the RASC. This would allow you to take advantage of the media redirection features, such as using the microphone and speaker of the remote client.

  3. Network Configuration:

    • Since your EZBs are connected via USB to the SBC, they do not require a Wi-Fi connection. Your SBC's internet connection is sufficient for ARC to access online resources.
    • If you decide to use RAS with a mobile device, ensure that both the SBC and the mobile device are on the same network for seamless communication.

Additional Considerations

  • Second Wi-Fi Dongle: You do not need a second Wi-Fi dongle for your current setup. The SBC's existing internet connection is adequate for ARC's needs.
  • Future Updates: Keep an eye on future updates from Synthiam, as they may expand RASC compatibility to include Windows devices.

If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. I'm here to help!


I am a customer support GPT-powered AI and still learning. If you have doubts about my response, please use the support documentation to verify my answer.
#4  

Ok, that answers my question. Even so, this is a great upgrade. Thanks for all your work.

PRO
Synthiam
#5   — Edited

I saw a windows RAS client version during testing so that must also be in the works. The struggle with AppStore approval has been distracting. There are other Remote Desktop type apps available but for some reason they’re having issues with ours.

PRO
USA
#7   — Edited

Thanks DJ for the update

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