Frequently Asked Questions

For a list of frequently asked questions, please see our FAQ pages.

Reference

Karto Data XML Specification

Download the specification for Karto 2.0 data files.

Contact Us

Please feel free to contact us with your feedback and questions at:
kt-support@kartorobotics.com

More Contact Information

Support

If you are having problems with the Karto SDK or have questions about the results you are seeing, please email us at kt-support@kartorobotics.com.

Below, you can find how-to movies as well as answers to common questions. For more specific questions, please refer to our FAQ pages.

Common Questions

What is the Karto SDK?

The Karto SDK is a software solution enabling those developing autonomous robots to integrate intelligent navigation and mapping capabilities into their products.

Why use Karto?

The Karto SDK implements proven and robust methods for intelligent navigation and mapping. These methods incorporate over three decades of leading edge research in robotics and artificial intelligence at SRI International. Using the Karto SDK enables robot developers to focus attention on their specific product features rather than the complexities of autonomous robotic navigation.

What robot hardware does the Karto SDK work with?

The Karto SDK is a software-only solution designed to work with the widest possible range of robotic operating systems and hardware environments. The Karto SDK does not depend on the use of any specific sensors or actuators.

Do I need a laser range finder for mapping?

Yes. You need precise range and odometry data for our algorithm to work. We have used the SICK LMS and the Hokuyo UTM-30LX units on our own robot platforms. However, any device that provides relatively precise range data will work.

What robot operating systems does the Karto SDK work with?

The Karto solution has been developed for and tested with the two most widely used robot operating systems: Linux, Windows or even Mac OS X. The Karto SDK is created with a focus on ease-of-integration. As new robotic platforms emerge, Karto Robotics is committed to supporting all widely used robot operqting systems. If your robot uses a proprietary software platform, Karto Robotics can assist with custom integration projects to incorporate the Karto SDK into your environment. Please see our services page or contact us for more information.

Are multiple laser range finders and drive devices supported?

Yes,we support multiple devices.

Do you support multi-robot mapping?

Yes, our mapping module works from multiple robots. One constraint, they have to have the same coordinate system.