Monte Carlo Localization Algorithm Research Articles

Mapping and Localization of Autonomous Mobile Robots in Simulated Indoor Environments

Autonomously making a map, localizing within it, and planning with it are fundamental problems in mobile robotics. Every autonomous mobile robot system must include a solution to all three problems. These three problems are interconnected, with simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) being a well-known issue. However, there is indeed a growing and developing realization in the research field that path planning how a robot goes about mapping and finding an environment (and then operating in the environment such as starting to the destination point) can avoid degenerate conditions and greatly reduce SLAM complexity. In this paper, the implementation of an autonomous mobile robot system for indoor environments using open-source ROS packages and a combination of cartography algorithm and adaptive Monte Carlo localization (AMCL) algorithms has been implemented. The system addresses the challenge of developing three components such as mapping, localization, and path planning systems for indoor autonomous mobile robots. The mapping module creates a global map using the cartography ROS package and SLAM algorithm. The localization module estimates the robot's pose using the AMCL approach. The planning module generates collision-free trajectories and control commands using the moving base ROS package. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach and its valuable contribution to the robotics field. The cartography algorithm mapping algorithm generates accurate and reliable maps, while the localization algorithm successfully determines the robot's position with good performance. Additionally, the path planning algorithm effectively avoids both static and dynamic obstacles, ensuring smooth navigation in the environment.

Path Planning for Autonomous Mobile Robot Using Intelligent Algorithms

Machine learning technologies are being integrated into robotic systems faster to enhance their efficacy and adaptability in dynamic environments. The primary goal of this research was to propose a method to develop an Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) that integrates Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM), odometry, and artificial vision based on deep learning (DL). All are executed on a high-performance Jetson Nano embedded system, specifically emphasizing SLAM-based obstacle avoidance and path planning using the Adaptive Monte Carlo Localization (AMCL) algorithm. Two Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) were selected due to their proven effectiveness in image and pattern recognition tasks. The ResNet18 and YOLOv3 algorithms facilitate scene perception, enabling the robot to interpret its environment effectively. Both algorithms were implemented for real-time object detection, identifying and classifying objects within the robot’s environment. These algorithms were selected to evaluate their performance metrics, which are critical for real-time applications. A comparative analysis of the proposed DL models focused on enhancing vision systems for autonomous mobile robots. Several simulations and real-world trials were conducted to evaluate the performance and adaptability of these models in navigating complex environments. The proposed vision system with CNN ResNet18 achieved an average accuracy of 98.5%, a precision of 96.91%, a recall of 97%, and an F1-score of 98.5%. However, the YOLOv3 model achieved an average accuracy of 96%, a precision of 96.2%, a recall of 96%, and an F1-score of 95.99%. These results underscore the effectiveness of the proposed intelligent algorithms, robust embedded hardware, and sensors in robotic applications. This study proves that advanced DL algorithms work well in robots and could be used in many fields, such as transportation and assembly. As a consequence of the findings, intelligent systems could be implemented more widely in the operation and development of AMRs.

Improvement in Monte Carlo localization using information theory and statistical approaches

Monte Carlo localization methods deploy a particle filter to resolve a hidden Markov process based on recursive Bayesian estimation, which approximates the internal states of a dynamic system given observation data. When the observed data are corrupted by outliers, the particle filter’s performance may deteriorate, preventing the algorithm from accurately computing dynamic system states such as a robot’s position, which in turn reduces the accuracy of the localization and navigation. In this paper, the notion of information entropy is used to identify outliers. Then, a probability-based approach is used to remove the discovered outliers. In addition, a new mutation process is added to the localization algorithm to exploit the posterior probability density function in order to actively detect the high-likelihood region. The goal of incorporating the mutation operator into this method is to solve the problem of algorithm impoverishment which is due to insufficient representation of the complete probability density function. Simulation experiments are used to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed techniques. They also are employed to predict the remaining viability of a lithium-ion battery. Furthermore, in an experimental study, the modified Monte Carlo localization algorithm was applied to a mobile robot to demonstrate the local planner’s improved accuracy. The test results indicate that developed techniques are capable of effectively capturing the dynamic behavior of a system and accurately tracking its characteristics.

Application and Research on Improved Adaptive Monte Carlo Localization Algorithm for Automatic Guided Vehicle Fusion with QR Code Navigation

SLAM (simultaneous localization and mapping) technology incorporating QR code navigation has been widely used in the mobile robotics industry. However, the particle kidnapping problem, positioning accuracy, and navigation time are still urgent issues to be solved. In this paper, a SLAM fused QR code navigation method is proposed and an improved adaptive Monte Carlo positioning algorithm is used to fuse the QR code information. Firstly, the generation and resampling methods of initialized particle swarms are improved to improve the robustness and weights of the swarms and to avoid the kidnapping problem. Secondly, the Gmapping scan data and the data generated by the improved AMCL algorithm are fused using the extended Kalman filter to improve the accuracy and stability of the state estimation. Finally, in terms of the positioning system, Gmapping is used to obtain QR code data as marker positions on static maps, and the improved adaptive Monte Carlo localization particle positioning algorithm is matched with a library of QR code templates, which corrects for offset distances and achieves precise point-to-point positioning under grey-valued raster maps. The experimental results show that the particles encountered with kidnapping can be quickly adjusted in position, with a 68.73% improvement in adjustment time, 64.27% improvement in navigation and positioning accuracy, and 42.81% reduction in positioning time.

SLAM-based Navigation Technology for Rescue Robots in Post-disaster Scenarios

In order to solve the problems of difficulty and high-risk factor in implementing rescue after disasters, this paper designs an intelligent rescue robot autonomous navigation system based on LIDAR synchronous positioning and map building, with a view to achieving autonomous navigation of robots in complex post-disaster scenarios to complete rescue tasks. Firstly, the autonomous navigation system senses the scene by LiDAR and uses gmapping algorithms to construct a map of the post-disaster environment. Secondly, adaptive Monte Carlo localization algorithm is used to achieve robot localization based on radar and odometer data. Then the robot rescue work path is planned to use the Dijkstra algorithm. And TEB local planning path algorithm is used to control the robot. Finally, to verify the reliability of the autonomous navigation system designed in this paper, the ROS system software framework is used as the basis. The SLAM map construction, global path planning, and local real-time obstacle avoidance are tested practically under the scenario to ensure that the autonomous navigation of the mobile robot meets the requirements.

Research on inspection of machine room by mobile robot

The machine room inspection robot, as a special robot, can locate and navigate in the machine room independently, and carry sensors to detect equipment faults and record instrument data instead of the machine room staff. In this paper, the relevant standards and existing inspection robots at home and abroad were investigated and the overall scheme was determined based on the actual machine room environment. The monitoring background employs B/S architecture, allowing staff to deliver inspection tasks and manage robots from any computer. The motion map is created using the GMapping algorithm, and the topology map for inspection is created based on the inspection task and feasible path. For raster map localization, the adaptive Monte Carlo localization algorithm is used. The functional layer software for the robot is designed based on the inspection function to be performed by the robot and the man-machine interaction with the monitoring background. The findings of this paper's research indicate that the inspection robot system can meet the requirements of computer room autonomous inspection.

An Opposition-Based Learning Black Hole Algorithm for Localization of Mobile Sensor Network.

The mobile node location method can find unknown nodes in real time and capture the movement trajectory of unknown nodes in time, which has attracted more and more attention from researchers. Due to their advantages of simplicity and efficiency, intelligent optimization algorithms are receiving increasing attention. Compared with other algorithms, the black hole algorithm has fewer parameters and a simple structure, which is more suitable for node location in wireless sensor networks. To address the problems of weak merit-seeking ability and slow convergence of the black hole algorithm, this paper proposed an opposition-based learning black hole (OBH) algorithm and utilized it to improve the accuracy of the mobile wireless sensor network (MWSN) localization. To verify the performance of the proposed algorithm, this paper tests it on the CEC2013 test function set. The results indicate that among the several algorithms tested, the OBH algorithm performed the best. In this paper, several optimization algorithms are applied to the Monte Carlo localization algorithm, and the experimental results show that the OBH algorithm can achieve the best optimization effect in advance.

Research on Mobile Node Localization Optimization Algorithm in Wireless Sensor Networks Based on Monte Carlo Method

Mobile node localization is one of the key technologies in wireless sensor network applications. Aiming at the shortcomings of Monte Carlo algorithm (MCL) in mobile wireless sensor network node localization in nonideal environments, such as low accuracy and low sampling rate, in the prediction phase and filtering phase of MCL, the communication radius of the unknown node is determined according to the size of the irregularity of the node. Perform layering, assign adaptive weights to anchor nodes of different layers according to the area where they are located, and propose an adaptive improved Monte Carlo algorithm. After simulation analysis, the algorithm has an average localization error of nodes under different regularity conditions. It has dropped by about 12%, and the localization error has dropped by about 10% on average under different speed conditions. Aiming at the shortcomings of the MCL algorithm in mobile wireless sensor mobile networks such as low localization accuracy, large sample demand, and long localization time, the communication radius of the node is fuzzified to reduce the sampling area of the node, and an improved Monte Carlo localization algorithm based on fuzzy theory is proposed. The improved Monte Carlo localization algorithm, after simulation analysis, is about 50% shorter than the traditional MCL algorithm in localization time, and the localization accuracy is up to about 30% higher than the traditional MCL algorithm.

Digital media recording and broadcasting classroom using Internet intelligent image positioning and opinion monitoring in communication

PurposeThe digital media recording and broadcasting classroom using Internet real-time intelligent image positioning and opinion monitoring in communication teaching is researched and analyzed.Design/methodology/approachFirst, spatial grid positioning and monitoring and image intelligent recognition technologies were used to extract and analyze teaching images by mastering Internet of Things (IoT) technology and establishing an intelligent image positioning and opinion monitoring digital media recording and broadcasting system framework. Next, a positioning node algorithm was utilized to measure the image distance, and then a moving node location model under the IoT was established. In addition, a radial basis function (RBF) neural network was used to realize the signal transmission function. The experimental data of the adopted RBF based on the optimization of the adaptive cuckoo search (ACS-RBF) neural network, particle swarm algorithm neural network, and method of least squares optimization were compared and analyzed. In addition, a more efficient RBF neural network was adopted. Finally, the digital media recording and broadcasting classroom scheme of real-time intelligent image positioning and opinion monitoring was designed. In addition, the application environment of digital media actual teacher teaching was detected, and recording and broadcasting pictures were analyzed and researched.FindingsThe actual value, predicted value, and the number of predicted samples of the ACS-RBF model were all better than those of the two other neural networks. According to the analysis and comparison of the sampling optimization Monte Carlo localization (SOMCL), Monte Carlo, and genetic algorithm optimization-based Monte Carlo positioning algorithms, the SOMCL algorithm showed better robustness, and its positioning efficiency was superior to that of the two other algorithms. In addition, the SOMCL algorithm greatly reduced the positioning and monitoring energy consumption.Originality/valueThe application of real-time intelligent image positioning and monitoring technology in actual communication teaching was realized in the study.

Performance Analysis of Localization Algorithms for Inspections in 2D and 3D Unstructured Environments Using 3D Laser Sensors and UAVs

One of the most relevant problems related to Unmanned Aerial Vehicle’s (UAV) autonomous navigation for industrial inspection is localization or pose estimation relative to significant elements of the environment. This paper analyzes two different approaches in this regard, focusing on its application to unstructured scenarios where objects of considerable size are present, such as a truck, a wind tower, an airplane, a building, etc. The presented methods require a previously developed Computer-Aided Design (CAD) model of the main object to be inspected. The first approach is based on an occupancy map built from a horizontal projection of this CAD model and the Adaptive Monte Carlo Localization (AMCL) algorithm to reach convergence by considering the likelihood field observation model between the 2D projection of 3D sensor data and the created map. The second approach uses a point cloud prior map of the 3D CAD model and a scan-matching algorithm based on the Iterative Closest Point Algorithm (ICP) and the Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF). The presented approaches have been extensively evaluated using simulated as well as previously recorded real flight data. We focus on aircraft inspection as a test example, but our results and conclusions can be directly extended to other applications. To support this assertion, a truck inspection has been performed. Our tests reflected that creating a 2D or 3D map from a standard CAD model and using a 3D laser scan on the created maps can optimize the processing time, resources and improve robustness. The techniques used to segment unexpected objects in 2D maps improved the performance of AMCL. In addition, we showed that moving around locations with relevant geometry after take-off when running AMCL enabled faster convergence and high accuracy. Hence, it could be used as an initial position estimation method for other localization algorithms. The ICP-NL method works well in environments with elements other than the object to inspect, but it can provide better results if some techniques to segment the new objects are applied. Furthermore, the proposed ICP-NL scan-matching method together with UKF performed faster, in a more robust manner, than NDT. Moreover, it is not affected by flight height. However, ICP-NL error may still be too high for applications requiring increased accuracy.

Integrated Indoor Positioning System of Greenhouse Robot Based on UWB/IMU/ODOM/LIDAR.

Conventional mobile robots employ LIDAR for indoor global positioning and navigation, thus having strict requirements for the ground environment. Under the complicated ground conditions in the greenhouse, the accumulative error of odometer (ODOM) that arises from wheel slip is easy to occur during the long-time operation of the robot, which decreases the accuracy of robot positioning and mapping. To solve the above problem, an integrated positioning system based on UWB (ultra-wideband)/IMU (inertial measurement unit)/ODOM/LIDAR is proposed. First, UWB/IMU/ODOM is integrated by the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) algorithm to obtain the estimated positioning information. Second, LIDAR is integrated with the established two-dimensional (2D) map by the Adaptive Monte Carlo Localization (AMCL) algorithm to achieve the global positioning of the robot. As indicated by the experiments, the integrated positioning system based on UWB/IMU/ODOM/LIDAR effectively reduced the positioning accumulative error of the robot in the greenhouse environment. At the three moving speeds, including 0.3 m/s, 0.5 m/s, and 0.7 m/s, the maximum lateral error is lower than 0.1 m, and the maximum lateral root mean square error (RMSE) reaches 0.04 m. For global positioning, the RMSEs of the x-axis direction, the y-axis direction, and the overall positioning are estimated as 0.092, 0.069, and 0.079 m, respectively, and the average positioning time of the system is obtained as 72.1 ms. This was sufficient for robot operation in greenhouse situations that need precise positioning and navigation.

Research on rapid location method of mobile robot based on semantic grid map in large scene similar environment

AbstractAiming at the problem that adaptive Monte Carlo localization (AMCL) algorithm is difficult to localize in large scenes and similar environments. This paper uses a semantic information-assisted approach to improve the AMCL algorithm. This method realizes the robust localization of the robot in the large scenes and similar environments. Firstly, the 2D grid map created by simultaneous localization and mapping using lidar can obtain highly accurate indoor environmental contour information. Secondly, the semantic object capture is achieved by using a depth camera combined with an instance segmentation algorithm. Then, the semantic grid map is created by mapping the semantic point cloud through the back-projection process of the pinhole camera. Finally, semantic grid maps are used as a priori information to assist in localization, which will be used to improve the initial particle swarm distribution in the global localization of the AMCL algorithm and thus will solve the robot localization problem in this environment. The experimental evidence shows that the semantic grid map solves the environmental information degradation problem caused by 2D lidar as well as improves the robot’s perception of the environment. In addition, this paper improves the localization robustness of the AMCL algorithm in large scenes and similar environments, resulting in an average localization success rate of about 90% or even higher, and further reduces the number of iterations. The global localization problem of robots in large scenes and similar environments is effectively solved.

A Robust Localization System Fusion Vision-CNN Relocalization and Progressive Scan Matching for Indoor Mobile Robots

Map-based, high-precision dynamic pose tracking and rapid relocalization in the case of unknown poses are very important for indoor navigation robots. This paper aims to propose a robust and high-precision indoor robot positioning algorithm that combines vision and laser sensor information. This algorithm mainly includes two parts: initialization and real-time pose tracking. The initialization component is mainly to solve the problem of the uncertainty of a robot’s initial pose and loss of pose tracking. First, the laser information is added to the posenetLSTM neural network that only considers image information as a geometric constraint, and the loss function is redesigned thereby improving global positioning accuracy. Second, on the basis of visual rough positioning, the branch and bound method is used to quickly search the high-precision pose of the robot. In the real-time tracking component, small-scale correlation sampling is performed on the high-resolution environment grid map, and the robot’s pose is dynamically tracked in real time. When the score of the tracking pose is lower than a certain threshold, the method of nonlinear graph optimization is used to perform the pose optimization. In order to prove the robustness, high precision, and real-time performance of the algorithm, this article first builds a simulation environment in Gazebo for evaluation, and then verifies the relevant performance of the algorithm through the Mir robot platform. Both simulations and experiments show that the introduction of laser information into the neural network can greatly improve the accuracy of vision relocalization and the system can quickly perform high-precision repositioning when the camera is not severely blocked. At the same time, compared with the pose tracking performance of the adaptive Monte Carlo localization (AMCL) algorithm, the proposed algorithm has also improved in accuracy and in real-time performance.

An Improved Localization of Mobile Robotic System Based on AMCL Algorithm

In the Mobile Robotics domain, the ability of robots to locate themselves is one of the most important events. By locating, mobile robots can obtain information about the environment and continuously track their position and direction. Among localization algorithms, the Adaptive Monte Carlo Localization (AMCL) algorithm is applied most often in robot localization, a two-dimensional environment probabilistic localization system to improve the problems such as high computational complexity and hijacking of mobile robots that exist in the traditional MCL method. The proposed method is based on 2D laser information, range finder information, and AMCL to accomplish the localization task. Furthermore, an optimized AMCL algorithm is proposed to increase the accuracy of localization in terrain that is easy to fail to locate, have a chance to locate successfully when a localization error occurs, and apply the optimized AMCL to the mobile robot system. From the experimental results, we know that the improved AMCL algorithm can enhance the positioning accuracy of the robot effectively, which has better practicality than the original AMCL.

Autonomous vehicle self-localization in urban environments based on 3D curvature feature points – Monte Carlo localization

AbstractThis paper proposes a map-based localization system for autonomous vehicle self-localization in urban environments, which is composed of a pose graph mapping method and 3D curvature feature points – Monte Carlo Localization algorithm (3DCF-MCL). The advantage of 3DCF-MCL is that it combines the high accuracy of the 3D feature points registration and the robustness of particle filter. Experimental results show that 3DCF-MCL can provide an accurate localization for autonomous vehicles with the 3D point cloud map that generated by our mapping method. Compared with other map-based localization algorithms, it demonstrates that 3DCF-MCL outperforms them.

Inertial optimization MCL deep mine localization algorithm based on grey prediction and artificial bee colony

To solve the problem that the existing Monte Carlo Localization (MCL) algorithm has long localization time and large localization error in the real-time localization of downhole personnel and mobile equipment, an inertial optimization MCL deep mine localization algorithm based on gray prediction and artificial bee colony (IMCL-GABC) is proposed. Firstly, the movement speed and direction of the personnel or equipment to be located at the current moment are estimated by the grey prediction model, and the sampling area is determined by combining with the structural characteristics of the deep mine roadway. Secondly, the artificial bee colony algorithm is introduced to optimize the filtering to eliminate the less likely position points and obtain the approximate optimal estimated position sampling set. Finally, the weight of the sample is optimized by motion inertia, so as to complete the localization of the personnel or mobile equipment to be located. The simulation results show that the average localization error of the IMCL-GABC algorithm is 0.46 m and the average localization time required for the node to move one step is 0.21 s. Compared with the other two mobile node localization algorithms MCL and Monte Carlo localization Boxed, the localization error of IMCL-GABC algorithm is reduced by 50% and 37.84% respectively, and the localization time is reduced by 4.6 s and 0.93 s respectively, which proves that IMCL-GABC algorithm effectively improves the localization accuracy and efficiency of downhole personnel and mobile equipment.

Bi-directional smooth A-star algorithm for navigation planning of mobile robots

<p indent=0mm>Aiming at solving the problems in existing mobile robot navigation, such as lower-precision localization of the MCL algorithm, poor real-time ability of the traditional A-star algorithm and excessive polylines of the planned path, this paper proposes a novel A-star-algorithm-based mobile smooth navigation strategy. Firstly, the multi-sensor Monte Carlo localization (MS-MCL) algorithm is proposed for the pose estimation. Secondly, by improving the A-star algorithm to the bi-directional pattern and using the cost function iteratively, the algorithm has better real-time performance. Finally, Bézier curve is used to optimize the planned path, which solves the problem that the algorithm cannot be applied in practice because of excessive polylines and tiny turning angles. In comparison with the traditional A-star trajectory planning algorithm, simulation experiments fully proved that the algorithm designed in this paper reduces the path length and running time by 12.1% and 37.2%, respectively, and the average safety distance and the path smoothness are increased by 35.2% and 69.9%, respectively. Meanwhile, the results of the practical experiment verify the correctness and feasibility of this navigation planning algorithm under the guaranteed localization accuracy.

Aerial and Ground Robot Collaboration for Autonomous Mapping in Search and Rescue Missions

Humanitarian Crisis scenarios typically require immediate rescue intervention. In many cases, the conditions at a scene may be prohibitive for human rescuers to provide instant aid, because of hazardous, unexpected, and human threatening situations. These scenarios are ideal for autonomous mobile robot systems to assist in searching and even rescuing individuals. In this study, we present a synchronous ground-aerial robot collaboration approach, under which an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and a humanoid robot solve a Search and Rescue scenario locally, without the aid of a commonly used Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). Specifically, the UAV uses a combination of Simultaneous Localization and Mapping and OctoMap approaches to extract a 2.5D occupancy grid map of the unknown area in relation to the humanoid robot. The humanoid robot receives a goal position in the created map and executes a path planning algorithm in order to estimate the FootStep navigation trajectory for reaching the goal. As the humanoid robot navigates, it localizes itself in the map while using an adaptive Monte-Carlo Localization algorithm by combining local odometry data with sensor observations from the UAV. Finally, the humanoid robot performs visual human body detection while using camera data through a Darknet pre-trained neural network. The proposed robot collaboration scheme has been tested under a proof of concept setting in an exterior GNSS-denied environment.

Mobile Manipulation Integrating Enhanced AMCL High-Precision Location and Dynamic Tracking Grasp.

Mobile manipulation, which has more flexibility than fixed-base manipulation, has always been an important topic in the field of robotics. However, for sophisticated operation in complex environments, efficient localization and dynamic tracking grasp still face enormous challenges. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a mobile manipulation method integrating laser-reflector-enhanced adaptive Monte Carlo localization (AMCL) algorithm and a dynamic tracking and grasping algorithm. First, by fusing the information of laser-reflector landmarks to adjust the weight of particles in AMCL, the localization accuracy of mobile platforms can be improved. Second, deep-learning-based multiple-object detection and visual servo are exploited to efficiently track and grasp dynamic objects. Then, a mobile manipulation system integrating the above two algorithms into a robotic with a 6-degrees-of-freedom (DOF) operation arm is implemented in an indoor environment. Technical components, including localization, multiple-object detection, dynamic tracking grasp, and the integrated system, are all verified in real-world scenarios. Experimental results demonstrate the efficacy and superiority of our method.

Improved Global Localization and Resampling Techniques for Monte Carlo Localization Algorithm

Global indoor localization algorithms enable the robot to estimate its pose in pre-mapped environments using sensor measurements when its initial pose is unknown. The conventional Adaptive Monte Carlo Localization (AMCL) is a highly efficient localization algorithm that can successfully cope with global uncertainty. Since the global localization problem is paramount in mobile robots, we propose a novel approach that can significantly reduce the amount of time it takes for the algorithm to converge to true pose. Given the map and initial scan data, the proposed algorithm detects regions with high likelihood based on the observation model. As a result, the suggested sample distribution will expedite the process of localization. In this study, we also present an effective resampling strategy to deal with the kidnapped robot problem that enables the robot to recover quickly when the sample weights drop-down due to unmapped dynamic obstacles within the sensor’s field of view. The proposed approach distributes the random samples within a circular region centered around the robot’s pose by taking into account the prior knowledge about the most recent successful pose estimation. Since the samples are distributed over the region with high probabilities, it will take less time for the samples to converge to the actual pose. The percentage of improvement for the small sample set (500 samples) exceeded 90% over the large maps and played a big role in reducing computational resources. In general, the results demonstrate the localization efficacy of the proposed scheme, even with small sample sets. Consequently, the proposed scheme significantly increases the real-time performance of the algorithm by 85.12% on average in terms of decreasing the computational cost.