ROS 2 at ARCSA

A deeper look at the software behind modern robotics

In the world of advanced robotics, one framework has become the industry standard: ROS 2 (Robot Operating System 2). At ARCSA, ROS 2 is the foundation for teaching students how real robots are programmed, coordinated, and controlled in research labs and industry today. ROS 2 is a core pillar of the Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (AIR) program and is taught using professional tools and structured curricula.

What is ROS 2

ROS 2 is a robust open-source software framework for developing robotics applications. It provides a structured framework for different components of a robot (perception, motion, sensors, planning, and communication) to work together. Rather than serving as an operating system such as Windows or macOS, ROS 2 serves as the software backbone that enables different programs on a robot to communicate and function as a cohesive system.

In professional robotics, ROS 2 is used for:

Autonomous navigation
Sensor integration (e.g. LIDAR, cameras)
Motion planning
Fleet coordination
Robot control and simulation

By working with ROS 2, students learn fundamental tools used in university research and industrial robotics, not simplified educational versions.

Why the Name ROS 2 Matters

When the international robotics community transitioned from ROS to ROS 2, the change was not cosmetic. ROS 2 was rebuilt to support:

real-world performance requirements
secure communication
multi-robot systems
real-time constraints

These are not trivial details. They are part of what makes ROS 2 the de facto standard in modern robotics engineering.

This is why ARCSA’s advanced robotics curriculum uses ROS 2 as its software platform.

What Students Learn With ROS 2

The ROS 2 learning pathway at ARCSA matches the structure of university-level robotics software education. Students gradually gain confidence and depth as they encounter:

ROS 2 architecture and core concepts
Nodes, topics, services, and actions
Robot control structures
Sensor data integration
Navigation frameworks
Simulation tools

All of this is taught in a way that balances rigour with accessibility — making challenging concepts understandable without oversimplifying them.

Students apply ROS 2 concepts within the BotBox Robotics Lab, working with AI-enabled robots, sensors, and simulation environments.

The Construct Robotics Institute

Our international partner in ROS education

To deliver this advanced software learning pathway, ARCSA partners with The Construct Robotics Institute, a globally recognised organisation specialising in ROS and robotics education. Through its online platform, students interact with real, professional ROS 2 environments, practise in simulations, and solidify their understanding with guided learning experiences.

The Construct supports learners at all levels, from beginner to advanced, and provides the technical infrastructure that enables ARCSA’s ROS curriculum. The Construct is also the official ROS training provider for the ROS Industrial Consortium Asia-Pacific.

Certificates and Recognition

One of the benefits of working with The Construct is access to certificates for selected ROS 2 courses and training programs.

Certificates on The Construct platform are awarded when a student completes specific course requirements — typically comprising graded assessments, tests, and project presentations conducted through The Construct’s online learning environment.

Certificates are not required to learn ROS 2, and they are not the only measure of skill. What matters most — just as in professional robotics — is a student’s ability to demonstrate understanding and capability with the tools and concepts they have learned.

That said, certificates can be a valuable addition to a student’s portfolio and may be helpful when applying for jobs, university programs or competitive internships.

Parents who wish to see the full scope of topics covered can download the Advanced Robotics with ROS 2 Curriculum (PDF).

How ROS 2 Fits Into the ARCSA Pathway

In ARCSA’s Artificial Intelligence and Robotics program, ROS 2 is not an add-on; it is a core pillar.

Students:

Start with foundational programming and Linux skills
Progress into intermediate robotics software concepts
Apply ROS 2 in increasingly complex scenarios
Transition seamlessly between simulation and real robotic systems

Learning ROS 2 prepares students for the kinds of robotics coursework they will encounter in university engineering, computer science, and AI programs. It also opens doors into future careers in automation, autonomous systems, and intelligent machines.

ROS 2 forms the foundation of the Hardware Curriculum and complements the Software Curriculum, where artificial intelligence is explored in greater depth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is ROS 2?

ROS 2 (Robot Operating System 2) is the standard software framework used worldwide to program modern robots. It is used in universities, research labs, and industry to control how robots move, perceive their environment, and make decisions. It is not a toy or a simplified educational platform, but a professional tool.
Isn’t ROS 2 too advanced for high school students?

ROS 2 is advanced. That is precisely why it is taught carefully, progressively, and only to students who are ready.

Students do not encounter ROS 2 in isolation. They first build a strong foundation in programming, robotics, and problem-solving, then approach ROS 2 step by step with guidance and context. The goal is not speed, but understanding.
Why learn ROS 2 instead of simpler robotics software?

Because ROS 2 is what students will encounter later at university and beyond.

Learning simplified tools can be helpful early on, but at advanced stages, it can create a gap between school and tertiary education. ROS 2 closes that gap by exposing students to the same concepts, vocabulary, and workflows used in higher education and industry.
Will this help with university studies?

Yes, significantly.

Students who have experience with ROS 2, Linux, and professional robotics workflows before university are better prepared for tertiary courses in engineering, robotics, computer science, and AI. Concepts feel familiar rather than intimidating.
Does learning ROS 2 mean students are training for a specific job?

No.

ROS 2 is not taught as a job training program. It is taught as foundational knowledge.

Students develop transferable skills: systems thinking, software architecture, debugging, and reasoning about complex systems. These skills remain valuable regardless of the specific career path a student later chooses.
What are the certificates, and do students receive them automatically?

Certificates are available for selected ROS 2 courses delivered through The Construct’s platform.

They are awarded upon successful completion of specific assessments and requirements. Certificates are earned, not automatically granted, and are intended to reflect genuine engagement and understanding.

Generally, students must pass all quizzes with a score of at least 75% and deliver a live presentation of the real robot project to demonstrate the knowledge they have acquired. A panel from The Construct will assess the presentation.

A Certificate demonstrates knowledge of a specific area of ROS 2 and can be used for jobs, interviews, and more.
Are certificates essential?
How does ROS 2 fit with AI and other subjects?

ROS 2 is the software foundation that allows artificial intelligence to operate in the physical world.

In the AIR program, robotics and AI alternate across terms. Students learn AI concepts such as perception, learning, and decision-making, and then apply these concepts using ROS 2 to real robotic systems.
Will my child be overwhelmed?

Challenge is part of meaningful learning, but overwhelm is not the goal.

The curriculum is designed to revisit concepts over time, allowing students to grow into the material. Not every student will master everything immediately, and that is expected. Progress is measured by understanding, not by rushing through content.
What kind of student thrives in this program?
What is The Construct Robotics Institute?

The Construct Robotics Institute is an international robotics education organisation based in Barcelona, Spain. It specialises in teaching ROS and modern robotics through structured online platforms used by universities and professionals worldwide.

ARCSA partners with The Construct to ensure students learn robotics using globally recognised tools and curricula.