In a reaffirmation of commitment, Clearpath Robotics and Open Robotics have announced the continued support and production of their flagship platform, TurtleBot 4. Despite recent corporate acquisitions and industry shifts, developers and educators can rely on TurtleBot 4 for their robotics projects. The ongoing availability of both hardware and software support aims to maintain consistency in the robotics community.
Concerns arose regarding TurtleBot’s future following mergers and acquisitions within the robotics industry. The recent announcement addresses these apprehensions, confirming that TurtleBot 4 will remain a reliable platform for the community. This assurance is pivotal for users who rely on TurtleBot for development and educational purposes.
Clearpath Robotics Commits to TurtleBot 4 Production
Clearpath Robotics has publicly affirmed its dedication to the continued production and support of TurtleBot 4, ensuring developers and educators maintain access to this essential platform. Following recent corporate changes, the company’s commitment helps stabilize user confidence in the TurtleBot ecosystem.
“TurtleBot has long been a critical stepping stone for our academic customers and provides a robust and compact platform for developers,” Robin Lefler, general manager of Clearpath Robotics, said. “Clearpath recognizes the importance of continuing to produce and support the TurtleBot 4 and is dedicated to doing so.”
Open Robotics Emphasizes ROS 2 Integration
Open Robotics highlighted the significance of integrating TurtleBot 4 with the latest version of their Robot Operating System, ROS 2. This move enhances the platform’s capabilities and ensures it remains at the forefront of open-source robotics development.
“The TurtleBot is a core part of Open Robotics’ mission to expand the reach of open-source software, particularly ROS, in robotics,” Vanessa Yamzon Orsi, CEO of Open Robotics, stated. “As the first TurtleBot to support ROS 2, the newest version of our flagship software, we are grateful to Clearpath for their continued effort to distribute the TurtleBot 4 in support of our mission.”
Support and Availability Extended to 2026
Clearpath Robotics has outlined plans to sustain both hardware and software support for TurtleBot 4 until at least mid-2026. This extension ensures long-term reliability for users and developers relying on the platform for various applications.
“We will continue to distribute TurtleBot 4 hardware until stock is depleted,” wrote Darby Mills, a marketing coordinator at Clearpath. “Having worked with iRobot to secure inventory, we anticipate availability into mid-2026.”
In addition to hardware support, software updates will cover the ROS 2 Jazzy release, ensuring that TurtleBot 4 remains compatible with the latest advancements in robotics software. Users can access support through Clearpath’s GitHub repository and online resources, further solidifying the platform’s commitment to the robotics community.
The sustained support for TurtleBot 4 reflects the collaborative efforts of Clearpath Robotics and Open Robotics to uphold the platform’s relevance and utility in the ever-evolving field of robotics. This partnership not only secures the platform’s future but also reinforces the importance of open-source initiatives in fostering innovation and education within the industry.
