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System Architecture

This section outlines the software stack, hardware specifications, and machine roles. The architecture is built around a distributed, multi-host setup where each host handles specific tasks such as simulation, autonomous driving, and communication.

Workflow Architecture

Workflow Architecture

System-Level Container-Based Architecture

Distributed Architecture


Zenoh-Based ROS 2 Communication

Zenoh Communication


Planning Your Deployment

Before diving into installation:

  1. Check your hardware specs.
  2. Choose a deployment model:

    • Single host – simpler but more resource-intensive.
    • Multi-host – distributed for better scalability.
  3. Assign host roles based on your hardware and number of simulated vehicles.


Software Stack and Version Overview

Component Name Version / Branch
Operating System Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
ROS 2 Distribution ROS 2 Humble Hawksbill
Autonomy Stack Autoware Universe release/2024.11 (modified)
Simulation Engine AWSIM Labs main (modified)
Middleware Bridge Zenoh Bridge for ROS 2 release/1.7.2

Required Hardware Specifications

See Required PC Specs for the minimal requirements to run AWSIM Labs.

Hardware Specifications of Host Machines Used During Development

Host Model CPU GPU RAM OS NVIDIA Driver
Nitro PC Acer Nitro N50-640 Intel Core i7-12700F GeForce RTX 3060 24 GB Ubuntu 22.04 575
ROG Laptop ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 GA502IV AMD Ryzen 7 4800HS GeForce RTX 2060 Max-Q 24 GB Ubuntu 22.04 575

Host Roles

  • Host 1: Runs AWSIM Labs, Autoware for EgoVehicle_1 (no namespace), and Zenoh.
  • Host 2: Runs Autoware for EgoVehicle_2 (namespaced as /vehicle2) and communicates with Host 1 via Zenoh.

Design Considerations

If your machine meets or exceeds the Nitro PC specs, you may run AWSIM Labs and one Autoware instance on the same host.

Otherwise, distribute components across machines to balance load. For example, AWSIM Labs and Zenoh on its own host, and Autoware and Zenoh on subsequent hosts.


Scalability

DMAVA can be applied to use multiple hosts/vehicles.

See Scaling for Multiple Vehicles.


Next Steps: Proceed to Software Setup.