Webots
Webots Robot Simulator
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What is Webots?
Webots is an open-source, multi-platform desktop application used to simulate robots, vehicles, and mechanical systems. It provides a complete development environment to model, program, and simulate robots, making it suitable for professional use in industry, education, and research. Originally designed at EPFL in 1996 as a research tool for mobile robotics, it was commercialized by Cyberbotics in 1998 and open-sourced under the Apache 2.0 license in December 2018.
Key features include a large asset library with pre-built robots, sensors, actuators, objects, and materials for fast prototyping. Webots supports importing CAD models from Blender or URDF formats and OpenStreetMap maps. It offers a modern GUI based on Qt, a physics engine (fork of ODE), and an OpenGL 3.3 rendering engine. Simulations can be exported as movies, interactive HTML scenes, or streamed to web browsers using WebGL and websockets.
Webots supports programming in C, C++, Python, Java, MATLAB, and ROS with a simple API covering basic robotics needs. It can simulate a wide variety of robots including two-wheeled robots, industrial arms, legged robots, modular robots, automobiles, flying drones, autonomous underwater vehicles, tracked robots, and aerospace vehicles. The software runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS.
The tool is widely used for creating robot prototypes, developing and testing AI and control algorithms, teaching robotics to students, running simulation contests, and interfacing with robotics frameworks like ROS. Cyberbotics provides official technical support through a ticket service, along with consulting, custom developments, and training on demand for industrial and academic research projects.
Webots pricing
Pricing model: Freemium
Webots is free and open-source under the Apache 2.0 license - there is no cost to download and use the simulator itself. Official technical support is available through paid Premier Service plans: Webots Premier Service Standard costs CHF 500/year and includes user support by email or Discord. Webots Premier Service Deluxe costs CHF 2,500/year and includes email/Discord support plus 12 hours of services to get the best of Webots. Development services, consulting, custom robotics simulations, video conference training, and European research partnership are available on demand with pricing to be discussed. Cyberbotics continues development thanks to paid customer support, training, and consulting for industry and academic research projects.
Webots pros
- Open-source under Apache 2.0 license - completely free to use
- Multi-platform support for Windows, Linux, and macOS
- Large built-in asset library with robots, sensors, and actuators
- Supports multiple programming languages: C, C++, Python, Java, MATLAB, ROS
- Modern Qt-based GUI for easy simulation editing
- Robust physics engine based on ODE fork
- OpenGL 3.3 rendering engine for realistic visuals
- Can import CAD models from Blender and URDF formats
- OpenStreetMap map import for outdoor environments
- Web streaming capability to run simulations in browsers via WebGL
- Deterministic simulation for reproducible results
- Extensive documentation including User Guide and Reference Manual
- Backward compatibility guaranteed between major versions
- Active community on Discord, GitHub, and StackOverflow
- Suitable for industry, education, and research applications
- Supports diverse robot types: drones, underwater vehicles, legged robots, industrial arms
- Built-in supervisor scripts for managing simulation contests
- Export simulations as movies, interactive HTML, or animations
Webots cons
- No official phone support - only email and Discord for Premier Service
- Paid Premier Service Standard costs CHF 500/year for basic support
- Deluxe support plan at CHF 2,500/year may be expensive for individuals
- Custom development and consulting services are on-demand with no fixed pricing
- Steeper learning curve for beginners compared to some simulators
- Physics engine is a fork of ODE, not the latest Bullet or PhysX
- Limited advanced fluid dynamics compared to specialized CFD tools
- No built-in cloud hosting - webots.cloud is separate for sharing
- Some advanced features require supervisor scripting knowledge
- 3D model creation requires external tools like Blender
Frequently asked questions about Webots
What is Webots and what is it used for?
Webots is an open-source, multi-platform desktop application used to simulate robots, vehicles, and mechanical systems. It provides a complete development environment to model, program, and simulate robots. It is widely used in industry, education, and research for creating robot prototypes, developing and testing AI and control algorithms, teaching robotics to students, and running simulation contests.
Is Webots free to use?
Yes, Webots is free and open-source under the Apache 2.0 license since December 2018. You can download and use the simulator without any cost. However, official technical support, training, and consulting services are available through paid Premier Service plans.
Which operating systems does Webots run on?
Webots runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS. It is a multi-platform desktop application, making it accessible to users on all major operating systems.
What programming languages can I use with Webots?
Robot controllers in Webots can be programmed in C, C++, Python, Java, MATLAB, or ROS. Webots provides a simple API that covers all basic robotics needs across these programming languages.
What types of robots can I simulate in Webots?
Webots can simulate a wide variety of robots including two-wheeled robots, industrial arms, legged robots, modular robots, automobiles, flying drones, autonomous underwater vehicles, tracked robots, aerospace vehicles, service robots, mobile manipulators, and fret robots. It also supports grippers and tools in factory environments.
How do I get technical support for Webots?
Official technical support is available through the support ticket service with answers within 24 business hours. The Webots community is also active on Discord where you can find quick answers to questions. You can report issues on GitHub and ask questions of general interest on StackOverflow with the webots tag. Paid Premier Service plans offer email and Discord support.
Can I import my own 3D models into Webots?
Yes, you can import existing CAD models from Blender or from URDF format. You can also import OpenStreetMap maps for creating outdoor environments. The large Webots asset library also includes pre-built robots, sensors, actuators, objects, and materials.
What is webots.cloud?
webots.cloud is an online service where you can share your Webots models and simulations online, and create and run robotics competitions. It allows you to view online Webots simulations without installing the software locally.
How is Webots quality assured?
Webots is robust, deterministic, and well-documented. Every code modification is peer-reviewed and submitted to an automatic test suite testing all the API. Backward compatibility is guaranteed and well-documented between major versions. Every release is assessed by quality assurance tests conducted by humans.
Can I run Webots simulations in a web browser?
Yes, Webots simulations can be exported as movies, interactive HTML scenes, or animations, and can be streamed to any web browser using WebGL and websockets. This allows you to share and run simulations without requiring users to install Webots.