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InstallationReal-time performance

Real-time performance

Wandelbots NOVA automatically configures your instance for optimal robot control performance using real-time technologies. Understanding this configuration can help you troubleshoot performance issues and ensure your setup meets the requirements for stable robot operation.

Real-time kernel

All NOVA installations include a real-time (RT) enabled kernel by default. The RT kernel ensures deterministic timing and low latency, which are critical for:

  • Maintaining stable communication with robot controllers
  • Meeting strict timing requirements for industrial protocols (e.g., RSI for KUKA, PROFINET)
  • Avoiding disconnects and performance issues during robot operation

The real-time kernel is required for all robot types and is automatically installed during the NOVA setup process.

Robot-real-time tuned profile

No manual configuration needed: The RT kernel and robot-realtime tuned profile are automatically installed and activated during NOVA installation. You don’t need to take any additional steps.

NOVA automatically applies a robot-realtime tuned profile that optimizes system performance for robot control. This profile configures:

  • CPU core isolation: Approximately 1 out of every 6 CPU cores is reserved exclusively for real-time services (such as robot control)
  • Reduced system jitter: Background processes are prevented from interfering with time-critical robot operations
  • Network latency optimization: Network stack is tuned for low-latency communication

This is why NOVA requires a minimum of 4 CPU cores: with core isolation in effect, you need sufficient cores for both real-time robot control and general system operations.

SR-IOV-capable network interfaces

For production setups, especially real-time or near-real-time scenarios such as PROFINET communication, robot control, or coordinated motion of multiple robots, use an SR-IOV-capable system. Wandelbots NOVA can run without SR-IOV, but production systems should use SR-IOV-capable network interfaces to reduce latency, jitter, and network stack overhead.

SR-IOV support depends on the complete hardware and software stack, including:

  • BIOS/UEFI settings
  • CPU and chipset
  • Linux kernel
  • NIC, firmware, and driver

The k3s runtime is shipped with Wandelbots NOVA and is part of the required software stack.

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