A Comparison of SLAM Prediction Densities Using the Kolmogorov Smirnov Statistic

Abstract

Accurate pose and trajectory estimates, are necessary components of autonomous robot navigation system. A wide variety of Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) and localization algorithms have been developed by the robotics community to cater to this requirement. Some of the sensor fusion algorithms employed by SLAM and localization algorithms include the particle filter, Gaussian Particle Filter, the Extended Kalman Filter, the Unscented Kalman Filter, and the Central Difference Kalman Filter. To guarantee a rapid convergence of the state estimate to the ground truth, the prediction density of the sensor fusion algorithm must be as close to the true vehicle prediction density as possible. This paper presents a Kolmogorov–Smirnov statistic-based method to compare the prediction densities of the algorithms listed above. The algorithms are compared using simulations of noisy inputs provided to an autonomous robotic vehicle, and the obtained results are analyzed. The results are then validated using data obtained from a robot moving in controlled trajectories similar to the simulations.