Acutronic Robotics will create a native ROS 2 version of MoveIt!, the popular robotic motion planning framework
The startup has allocated resources to start porting MoveIt! to MoveIt 2, so that MARA, the first ROS 2 running modular robotic arm, can natively interface with it.
The startup has allocated resources to start porting MoveIt! to MoveIt 2, so that MARA, the first ROS 2 running modular robotic arm, can natively interface with it.
MoveIt! is the most widely used open-source software for manipulation in the robotics community. It provides an easy-to-use platform for developing advanced robotics applications, evaluating new robot designs and building integrated robotics products for industrial, commercial, R&D and other domains.
The popular motion planning framework builds on ROS messaging and build systems and utilizes some of the common tools in ROS like the ROS Visualizer (Rviz) and the ROS robot format (URDF). Now, the robotics startup Acutronic Robotics, focused on modularity, has announced that its team will help to create a native ROS 2 version of MoveIt! in order to get robots running on ROS 2 directly interface with the framework.
The startup has already started the process of porting MoveIt! to ROS 2, a work that can be tracked at http://github.com/acutronicrobotics/moveit2
Acutronic Robotics has also funded PickNik, a robotic software company, that will help steer the development efforts and advise Acutronic Robotics in the process of making the MARA modular robotic arm the first fully-supported MoveIt 2 robot.
Acutronic Robotics' current work in modular robotics, and particularly with the freshly launched MARA modular robotic arm, justifies the startup's contribution to the community on this matter. Running on ROS 2, MARA will be able to interface with the motion planning framework natively, once ported to MoveIt 2.
Featured Product

IP Seals for Robots
Freudenberg Sealing Technologies' IPRS (Ingress Protection Seals for Robots) provides reliable protection for robotic systems operating in harsh environments. Designed to prevent dust, moisture, chemicals, and wear from compromising performance, IPRS extends service life and reduces maintenance. The adaptive Z-shaped geometry ensures sealing integrity under continuous motion, making it ideal for high-speed automation and outdoor applications. Manufactured with high-performance elastomers such as Fluoroprene XP and EPDM, IPRS offers exceptional resistance to lubricants, cleaning agents, and extreme temperatures. This makes it the perfect solution for six-axis robots, SCARA robots, AMRs, AGVs, and cobots.
With its low-friction design and durable materials, IPRS enhances energy efficiency and operational reliability in industrial and autonomous robotics. Learn more about our IPRS Seals