What you will need

• A computer (laptop or desktop) satisfying minimum requirements

• A broadband, unmetered, internet connection

What you will get

• A computer with a native Ubuntu installation

Note

The currently supported versions of Ubuntu are 22.04.x and 24.04.x.

Ubuntu installation (recommended)

At first glance, Ubuntu might be perceived as a barrier to entry to learning AI robotics, especially given the widespread distribution of other operating systems (Windows, macOS) in educational institutions.

We belive that using Ubuntu actually increases accessibility to the science and technology of robot autonomy, for many more reasons than we will list here, but mainly because:

• it is open source, free, and available worldwide

• it is resource-efficient, and runs comparatively well on inexpensive computers

• it is transparent - there is a file for everything

• it has a preexisting large community

• Ubuntu in particular has a UI that is very similar to standard Windows or macOS desktops

If you are concerned about using Ubuntu, it is good. You are here to learn, and progress starts at the edge of our comfort zone.

Installing Ubuntu Desktop

Before installing Ubuntu:

1. Check if your computer will work well with it at Computer and Internet Requirements for Using Duckietown

2. Decide if you will install Ubuntu as a dual boot, in which case, ensure you have enough free space to make a partition.

Tip

We would recommend that you install Ubuntu as a dual boot when possible. Each time you turn on your computer, you will be able to choose which operating system (OS) to run.

To install Ubuntu, follow this Ubuntu Desktop installation tutorial.