Gazebo

Simulate a whole robot, sensors included
Robotics & embodied AIRobot simulatorApache-2.0Runs locallyC++Intermediate
OSAI Pulse ⓘ ★★★★★★★★★★ /100 signals tracked
🐳 Docker pulls 📦 PyPI downloads / month 📦 npm downloads / month 🚀 Latest release ·
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What is Gazebo?

Gazebo simulates robots with their sensors and environment — the classic testing ground before deploying to real hardware.

Why people choose Gazebo

Gazebo at a glance

CategoryRobotics & embodied AI
TypeRobot simulator
LicenseApache-2.0
Runs locallyYes
Built withC++
Skill levelIntermediate
Best fortesting a full robot stack, including cameras and lidar

Open-source alternatives to Gazebo

Other open-source robotics & embodied ai tools worth comparing:

GenesisGenerate robotic worlds from a text promptLeRobotTrain real robots with the Hugging Face stackArduPilotAutopilot for drones, rovers and boatsMuJoCoThe physics engine most robotics research runs onStable-Baselines3Reliable RL algorithms you can actually trustopenpi (π0)Open weights for robot foundation modelsGymnasiumThe standard interface for reinforcement learningPX4The autopilot behind most commercial dronesAutowareA complete open-source self-driving stackIsaac LabMassively parallel robot training on NVIDIA GPUsROS 2The operating system layer of modern roboticsNav2Make a mobile robot navigate on its ownDiffusion PolicyTeach a robot by showing it, using diffusionHabitatTrain agents to act in photorealistic homesMoveIt 2Motion planning and manipulation for robot arms

Gazebo head-to-head

Gazebo vs GenesisGazebo vs LeRobotGazebo vs ArduPilotGazebo vs MuJoCoGazebo vs Stable-Baselines3Gazebo vs openpi (π0)Gazebo vs GymnasiumGazebo vs PX4Gazebo vs AutowareGazebo vs Isaac LabGazebo vs ROS 2Gazebo vs Nav2Gazebo vs Diffusion PolicyGazebo vs HabitatGazebo vs MoveIt 2

FAQ

Is Gazebo free?

Gazebo is free and open-source (Apache-2.0 license), so you can use, self-host and modify it at no cost.

Can I run Gazebo locally?

Yes. Gazebo is designed to run on your own machine or server, keeping your data private.

What is the best alternative to Gazebo?

Popular open-source alternatives include Genesis, LeRobot, ArduPilot. See the comparisons above to choose.

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