RTI Connext DDS Thrives on Snappy Ubuntu Core

Snappy Ubuntu Core, Ubuntu’s latest OS with transactional updates, was unveiled by Mark Shuttleworth at the 2015 Internet of Things (IoT) World conference. Designed for secure, isolated applications—known as Snaps—Snappy Core provides a robust platform for developers to innovate and expand into new device markets. RTI Connext DDS is an ideal communication backbone for this ecosystem, enabling independent application evolution and upgrades while maintaining stringent performance, reliability, and security standards.

1. RTI Connext DDS optimizes inter‑Snap communication on a single node and across multiple nodes.
2. It satisfies the demanding performance, reliability, and security requirements inherent to Snaps.
3. Running on Ubuntu Core, RTI Connext unlocks real‑time connectivity for Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) smart appliances.
4. Its cross‑platform support ensures seamless interoperability beyond Ubuntu Core.
5. RTI Connext offers built‑in mechanisms to interoperate with diverse technologies and protocols.

During IoT World, RTI showcased two Snaps exchanging data via an OWI Robotic Arm. The arm, controlled through a USB interface, is managed by a controller Snap on a BeagleBone Black running Ubuntu Core. The controller subscribes to commands over RTI Connext and forwards them to the arm via USB.

The Advantech Intel gateway, powered by an Intel Atom E3800 processor and running Ubuntu Core, hosts the Robot Command Snap. This Snap provides a CLI for commands such as turn clockwise, turn counter‑clockwise, and open grip, publishing them onto the data bus. Whether the controller and command Snaps reside on the same node (BeagleBone) or on separate nodes (gateway and BeagleBone), RTI Connext enables seamless communication without altering Snap configurations.

For deeper insights into RTI’s IoT World participation, explore these blog posts:

• Sneak Peek: Internet of Things World Conference in SF!
• Day Two at IoT World: Using DDS to Make Smart Window Shades Even Smarter