How can I develop software for pib if the robot runs Debian and ROS 2 Humble requires Ubuntu?

You do not need to install Ubuntu or compile ROS 2 directly on the robot’s host operating system.

pib runs Docker containers that package the entire robotics environment—including Ubuntu, ROS 2 Humble, and all required dependencies. The underlying host OS on the Raspberry Pi simply acts as the Docker host.

  1. Connect via VS Code: Open Visual Studio Code on your computer and connect to pib via SSH (Remote – SSH extension).
  2. Open the Project Folder: Navigate to /home/pib/app/ to edit the codebase:
    • cerebra → Frontend & browser UI code
    • pib-backend → Backend services & robotics control logic
  3. Rebuild & Test: After editing, rebuild the affected Docker container and restart the service to apply changes.

Simulation without Hardware:

You can also develop and test code on your PC without a physical robot using our Digital Twin setup (Webots simulation + virtual environment).

Summary:

  • ❌ No need to install ROS 2 on Debian directly
  • ❌ No need to re-flash the Pi with Ubuntu
  • ✅ Develop locally via VS Code ➔ Containerized ROS 2 handles the rest.