Which programming language is primarily used for performance-critical applications in robotics?

C++ is primarily used for performance-critical applications in robotics due to its close proximity to hardware, which allows for low-level manipulation and real-time performance. C++ provides features such as direct memory management, which enables developers to optimize resource usage and execution speed—both of which are crucial in robotics for tasks like control systems, real-time data processing, and sensor integration.

The language also supports object-oriented programming, making it easier to create complex robotic simulations and algorithms that can be efficiently organized and reused. Additionally, C++ has extensive libraries and frameworks specifically designed for robotics, such as the Robot Operating System (ROS), which facilitates the development of modular and scalable robot applications.

Other languages mentioned, like Python and Java, are often favored for their ease of use and rapid development capabilities, but they typically do not match C++ in terms of runtime efficiency for critical applications that demand high-performance computing. MATLAB is widely used for simulations and prototyping in robotics, but it is not typically employed in deployment environments where performance is a priority compared to C++.