The Development Centre for Ship Technology and Transport Systems (DST), based in Duisburg, Germany, has adopted Fast DDS as the core communication middleware in its flagship platforms for research and development in inland navigation automation: the virtual test environment VERA and the scaled demonstrator ELLA.
Fast DDS at the Core of VERA’s Virtual Test Field
VERA (Virtual Test Field for Inland Navigation) is a modular simulation platform designed to support the development and validation of automation technologies for inland vessels. The platform enables both software-in-the-loop (SiL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) testing, integrating real-world sensor data, vessel models, and traffic scenarios to create highly realistic simulation environments.
With its open and modular architecture, VERA supports interoperability and standardization, making it easy to integrate with external simulation tools, digital twins, and control systems. Communication between distributed components of the simulator relies on the Data Distribution Service (DDS), and DST selected Fast DDS to ensure compatibility with ROS 2 and to achieve low-latency, high-performance data exchange.
"Fast DDS ensures full compatibility with ROS 2 while also allowing us to embed it directly into many applications," explains Stephan Schweig, developer at DST. "In contrast, full ROS 2 integration might lead to issues. Fast DDS offers reliable synchronization and real-time communication, which are crucial for distributed simulation and control systems."
ELLA: A Scaled Demonstrator for Autonomous Maneuvering
ELLA (Model-scale Development Platform for Manoeuvre Automation) is a 1:6 scale model of an inland vessel, developed as an innovative testbed for autonomous maneuvers such as mooring, casting off, and navigating locks and bridges. These operations present particular challenges due to constrained waterways and the complex environmental dynamics involved.
To address these challenges, ELLA integrates advanced control algorithms capable of adapting in real time to factors like wind, current, and surrounding traffic. Machine learning approaches are also being explored to enhance decision-making for complex maneuvers. The vehicle will continue to serve beyond the project’s lifetime as a test platform for future developments in automation, sensor technology, and AI-based control.
Communication between the ship system and its automation components is built on ROS 2, which in turn is powered by Fast DDS. This setup provides a robust and flexible communication infrastructure that supports real-time operation and modular system integration.
About DST: Driving Innovation in Inland Navigation
With a history spanning over 70 years, DST is a leading research institution focused on the development of vessels for shallow water conditions. Its interdisciplinary work covers ship design, energy efficiency, propulsion systems, and logistics integration. In the face of modern challenges such as climate change, energy transition, and labor shortages, DST is pioneering new propulsion concepts and automation technologies.
By adopting Fast DDS in its platforms VERA and ELLA, DST is advancing the state of the art in inland navigation and showcasing the value of Fast DDS as a reliable, high-performance communication middleware for demanding distributed systems.
About eProsima
eProsima specializes in networking middleware and robotics, developing Vulcanexus, the all-in-one ROS 2 toolset with Fast DDS at its core. Fast DDS, as the default middleware of Vulcanexus, enables seamless intercommunication between Vulcanexus applications and native Fast DDS systems, ensuring efficient real-time data exchange for robotics, agriculture, automotive, and aerospace applications.
