cmeel-urdfdom provides Python bindings for the `urdfdom` C++ library, which is used for parsing Unified Robot Description Format (URDF) XML files. It allows Python applications to load, manipulate, and query robot models defined in URDF. The current version is 4.0.1, with releases typically tracking the underlying `urdfdom` C++ library and often including `cmeel`-specific build suffixes.
pip install cmeel-urdfdomVerified import paths — ran on the pinned version, not inferred.
This quickstart demonstrates how to load a URDF robot model from an XML string using `URDF.load_from_xml_string`. It then shows how to access basic properties like the robot's name, the number of links and joints, and specific details of a link and a joint.
Always check the release notes for `cmeel-urdfdom` and `urdfdom-headers` when upgrading, especially across major versions. Ensure your `urdfdom-headers` dependency matches the `cmeel-urdfdom` requirements as specified in its `pyproject.toml` or `setup.cfg`.
Install in an environment with pre-built wheels (most common Linux, macOS, Windows systems). If installation fails, ensure you have necessary C++ build tools or refer to the `cmeel` documentation for custom build instructions.
Validate URDF files with external tools (e.g., `check_urdf` from `ros_urdf_check` for ROS users, or a generic XML linter) before attempting to load them programmatically. Gradually build complex URDFs from simpler, verified components.