Hi ROS community,
I built a free online URDF validator because I kept running into the same
problem: testing URDF files required a full ROS install just to catch basic
structural errors.
Live tool (no signup): RoboInfra Dashboard
What it checks (9 structural checks):
- Root element must be
- At least one exists
- No duplicate link/joint names
- All joint parent/child refs valid
- Valid joint types (revolute, continuous, prismatic, fixed, floating, planar)
- revolute/prismatic joints include
- Exactly one root link (no cycles, no orphans)
Also supports .xacro files (server-side preprocessing via the official
xacro Python package no ROS install needed on your side).
Why I’m sharing:
I built this as a solo developer and want feedback from actual ROS users.
Is the validation useful? What other checks would help? Does xacro support
cover your real-world files?
Other things available (optional, paid plans):
- Python SDK:
pip install roboinfra-sdk - GitHub Action for PR validation:
uses: roboinfra/validate-urdf-action@v1 - Kinematic analysis (DOF, end effectors, chain depth)
- 3D model conversion (STL/OBJ/FBX/GLB/DAE)
Free tier: 50 validations/month access on signup.
Happy to answer any questions.