# Hardware Requirements
## ⚠️ Multiple Monitors Required for Optimal Work Environment
The robotics webapp is designed for **multi-monitor professional robotics control stations**. While it can run on a single monitor, **multiple monitors are strongly recommended** for the best experience.
## Minimum Requirements
### Single Monitor Setup (Basic)
- **1 Monitor**: Can run webapp and switch between environment pages
- **Limitations**:
- Cannot view webapp and environment apps simultaneously
- Requires alt-tabbing between applications
- Reduced workflow efficiency
- Not suitable for real-time monitoring
### Multi-Monitor Setup (Recommended)
**Minimum: 2 Monitors**
- **Monitor 1**: Robotics Webapp (control interface)
- **Monitor 2**: Unity3D, Resonite, VRChat, or VRoid Studio
**Recommended: 3-4 Monitors**
- **Monitor 1**: Robotics Webapp (control interface) - **REQUIRED**
- **Monitor 2**: Unity3D Editor - **RECOMMENDED**
- **Monitor 3**: Resonite - **RECOMMENDED**
- **Monitor 4**: VRChat or VRoid Studio - **OPTIONAL**
**Optimal: 4+ Monitors**
- **Monitor 1**: Robotics Webapp (control interface)
- **Monitor 2**: Unity3D Editor
- **Monitor 3**: Resonite
- **Monitor 4**: VRChat
- **Monitor 5+**: Additional sensors, monitoring, or documentation
## Why Multiple Monitors?
### 1. Simultaneous Visibility
- View webapp controls while monitoring Unity3D scenes
- Watch Resonite world while controlling avatars
- Monitor sensors while adjusting robot parameters
- **No alt-tabbing required**
### 2. Real-Time Monitoring
- See all environments and applications at once
- Monitor sensor data in real-time
- Track multiple robots simultaneously
- View logs and diagnostics concurrently
### 3. Professional Workflow
- Industry-standard multi-monitor robotics control stations
- Efficient multi-tasking without context switching
- Better spatial awareness across all applications
- Reduced cognitive load
### 4. Performance Benefits
- Faster decision-making with full visibility
- Reduced errors from context switching
- Better situational awareness
- More efficient debugging and troubleshooting
## Monitor Specifications
### Minimum Monitor Specs
- **Resolution**: 1920x1080 (Full HD) minimum
- **Size**: 24" minimum
- **Refresh Rate**: 60Hz minimum
- **Connection**: HDMI, DisplayPort, or DVI
### Recommended Monitor Specs
- **Resolution**: 2560x1440 (QHD) or higher
- **Size**: 27" or larger
- **Refresh Rate**: 120Hz+ for smoother visuals
- **Connection**: DisplayPort 1.4+ for best performance
- **Panel Type**: IPS for better color accuracy
### Optimal Monitor Specs
- **Resolution**: 3840x2160 (4K) for primary monitor
- **Size**: 32" or larger for primary, 27" for secondary
- **Refresh Rate**: 144Hz+ for primary monitor
- **Connection**: DisplayPort 2.0 or USB-C with DisplayPort
- **Panel Type**: IPS or OLED for best color accuracy
- **HDR**: HDR10+ support for better contrast
## Graphics Card Requirements
### Minimum
- **Dedicated GPU**: Required for multi-monitor support
- **Outputs**: 2+ video outputs (HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI)
- **VRAM**: 2GB minimum
### Recommended
- **Dedicated GPU**: Modern GPU (GTX 1660 / RX 580 or better)
- **Outputs**: 3-4 video outputs
- **VRAM**: 4GB+ for smooth multi-monitor performance
### Optimal
- **Dedicated GPU**: High-end GPU (RTX 3060 / RX 6600 XT or better)
- **Outputs**: 4+ video outputs
- **VRAM**: 8GB+ for 4K multi-monitor setups
## Windows Display Configuration
### Setting Up Multiple Monitors
1. **Connect Monitors**: Connect all monitors to your graphics card
2. **Open Display Settings**: Right-click desktop → Display settings
3. **Detect Monitors**: Click "Detect" to find all connected monitors
4. **Arrange Monitors**: Drag monitors to match physical arrangement
5. **Set Primary**: Choose which monitor is primary (typically Monitor 1)
6. **Configure Resolution**: Set optimal resolution for each monitor
7. **Extend Display**: Ensure "Extend these displays" is selected
### Monitor Arrangement Tips
- **Left-to-Right**: Arrange monitors logically (Monitor 1 = leftmost)
- **Consistent Layout**: Use same arrangement each session
- **Primary Monitor**: Set webapp monitor as primary for easy access
- **Orientation**: Consider portrait orientation for documentation/monitoring
## Virtual Desktop Alternative
If you have **only 1-2 monitors**, you can use Windows Virtual Desktops:
- **Desktop 1**: Robotics Webapp
- **Desktop 2**: Unity3D Editor
- **Desktop 3**: Resonite
- **Desktop 4**: VRChat
**Limitations:**
- Requires switching between desktos (Win+Ctrl+Left/Right)
- Cannot view all apps simultaneously
- Less efficient than multi-monitor setup
- Not suitable for real-time monitoring
## Cost Considerations
### Budget Multi-Monitor Setup
- **2 Monitors**: $200-400 total
- **3 Monitors**: $300-600 total
- **4 Monitors**: $400-800 total
### Professional Setup
- **4 Monitors (27" QHD)**: $800-1200 total
- **4 Monitors (32" 4K)**: $1200-2000 total
**Note**: Multiple monitors significantly improve workflow efficiency and are worth the investment for professional robotics work.
## Testing Your Setup
1. **Connect all monitors** and verify Windows detects them
2. **Launch robotics webapp** on Monitor 1
3. **Use Launch Controls** to start Unity3D on Monitor 2
4. **Verify apps appear** on correct monitors
5. **Test switching** between applications
6. **Check performance** - ensure smooth operation
## Troubleshooting Multi-Monitor Issues
### Monitors Not Detected
- Check cable connections
- Update graphics drivers
- Restart Windows
- Check monitor power and input selection
### Wrong Monitor Order
- Rearrange in Windows Display Settings
- Update monitor arrangement to match physical layout
### Performance Issues
- Reduce resolution on secondary monitors
- Close unnecessary applications
- Update graphics drivers
- Check GPU temperature and usage
### Apps Launching on Wrong Monitor
- Use Launch Controls to specify monitor
- Manually move windows via Task View
- Set monitor as primary in Windows settings
## Summary
**For optimal robotics webapp experience:**
✅ **Use 3-4 monitors** for best workflow
✅ **Arrange monitors logically** (left-to-right)
✅ **Set webapp monitor as primary**
✅ **Use Launch Controls** to specify monitor for each app
✅ **Invest in quality monitors** for professional work
**Single monitor setups work but are not recommended** for professional robotics control stations.