Autonomous Mobile Robot Navigation Research Articles

An Adaptive Threshold Line Segment Feature Extraction Algorithm for Laser Radar Scanning Environments

An accurate map is needed for the autonomous navigation of mobile robots in unknown environments. The application of laser radars has the advantages of high ranging accuracy and long ranging distances. Due to the small amount of data on laser radars and the influence of noise on the sensor itself, these amount to causing problems such as low accuracies of map construction and large positioning errors. Currently, the feature extraction of environmental line segments based on radar scanning data generally adopts the idea of recursion. However, the amount of calculations for applying recursion is large, and the threshold of extracted feature points needs to be set manually. Moreover, the fixed segmentation threshold will cause under-segmentation or over-segmentation. In this paper, an adaptive threshold-based feature extraction method for environmental line segments is proposed. The method denoises the original data first, and then an adaptive threshold of the nearest neighbor algorithm is provided to improve the accuracy of breakpoint judgment; next, the slope difference between adjacent line segments is evaluated according to the line segment fitting error in order to obtain the optimal corner feature. Finally, the point set is segmented to fit line-segment features. Based on actual environment tests, the environmental similarity of the line segment features extracted by the new algorithm in this paper increases by 8.3% compared with the IEPF (Iterative End Point Fit) algorithm. The algorithm avoids recursive operations, improves the efficiency by four times, and meets the real-time requirements of line segment fitting.

Research and Implementation of Autonomous Navigation for Mobile Robots Based on SLAM Algorithm under ROS.

Aiming at the problems of low mapping accuracy, slow path planning efficiency, and high radar frequency requirements in the process of mobile robot mapping and navigation in an indoor environment, this paper proposes a four-wheel drive adaptive robot positioning and navigation system based on ROS. By comparing and analyzing the mapping effects of various 2D-SLAM algorithms (Gmapping, Karto SLAM, and Hector SLAM), the Karto SLAM algorithm is used for map building. By comparing the Dijkstra algorithm with the A* algorithm, the A* algorithm is used for heuristic searches, which improves the efficiency of path planning. The DWA algorithm is used for local path planning, and real-time path planning is carried out by combining sensor data, which have a good obstacle avoidance performance. The mathematical model of four-wheel adaptive robot sliding steering was established, and the URDF model of the mobile robot was established under a ROS system. The map environment was built in Gazebo, and the simulation experiment was carried out by integrating lidar and odometer data, so as to realize the functions of mobile robot scanning mapping and autonomous obstacle avoidance navigation. The communication between the ROS system and STM32 is realized, the packaging of the ROS chassis node is completed, and the ROS chassis node has the function of receiving speed commands and feeding back odometer data and TF transformation, and the slip rate of the four-wheel robot in situ steering is successfully measured, making the chassis pose more accurate. Simulation tests and experimental verification show that the system has a high precision in environment map building and can achieve accurate navigation tasks.

Fuzzy control system for visual navigation of autonomous mobile robot based on Kalman filter

Fuzzy control system for visual navigation of autonomous mobile robot based on Kalman filter

Computer Vision Positioning and Local Obstacle Avoidance Optimization Based on Neural Network Algorithm.

Due to the rapid development of social computerization and smart devices, there is an increasing demand for indoor positioning of mobile robots in the robotics field, so it is very important to realize the autonomous navigation of mobile robots. However, in indoor scenes, due to factors such as dark walls, the global positioning system cannot effectively locate, and the broadband and wired positioning technologies used indoors have problems such as base station laying and delay. Computer vision positioning technology has greatly improved the camera hardware due to its simple equipment and low cost. Compared with other sensor cameras, it is less affected by environmental changes, so visual positioning has received extensive attention. Image matching has become the most critical link in visual positioning. The accuracy, speed, and robustness of image matching directly determine the results of visual positioning, so image matching has become the main topic of this study. In this study, the neural network algorithm is systematically optimized, especially for the robot's local obstacle avoidance, and an obstacle data acquisition method based on VGG16 and fast RCNN is proposed. In order to solve the problem that the semantic image segmentation algorithm based on AlexNet and ResNet is difficult to accurately obtain the information of multiple objects, and an image semantic segmentation algorithm combined with VGG16 is designed to classify the background and road in the image at the pixel level and capture the path boundary line. The collection of robot obstacle path information improves the speed and accuracy of highly automated local obstacle avoidance. This study uses neural network algorithms to systematically optimize computer vision positioning and also studies the accuracy optimization of local obstacle avoidance, aiming to promote its better development.

Multi-objective path planning for mobile robot with an improved artificial bee colony algorithm.

Effective path planning (PP) is the basis of autonomous navigation for mobile robots. Since the PP is an NP-hard problem, intelligent optimization algorithms have become a popular option to solve this problem. As a classic evolutionary algorithm, the artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm has been applied to solve numerous realistic optimization problems. In this study, we propose an improved artificial bee colony algorithm (IMO-ABC) to deal with the multi-objective PP problem for a mobile robot. Path length and path safety were optimized as two objectives. Considering the complexity of the multi-objective PP problem, a well-environment model and a path encoding method are designed to make solutions feasible. In addition, a hybrid initialization strategy is applied to generate efficient feasible solutions. Subsequently, path-shortening and path-crossing operators are developed and embedded in the IMO-ABC algorithm. Meanwhile, a variable neighborhood local search strategy and a global search strategy, which could enhance exploitation and exploration, respectively, are proposed. Finally, representative maps including a real environment map are employed for simulation tests. The effectiveness of the proposed strategies is verified through numerous comparisons and statistical analyses. Simulation results show that the proposed IMO-ABC yields better solutions with respect to hypervolume and set coverage metrics for the later decision-maker.

Development and Evaluation of Mobile Application for Navigation of Autonomous Mobile Robots in Unknown Outdoor Environments

Development and Evaluation of Mobile Application for Navigation of Autonomous Mobile Robots in Unknown Outdoor Environments

Probabilistic Meta-Conv1D Driving Energy Prediction for Mobile Robots in Unstructured Terrains

Driving energy consumption plays an important role in the navigation of autonomous mobile robots in off-road scenarios. However, the accuracy of the driving energy predictions is often affected by a high degree of uncertainty due to unknown and constantly varying terrain properties, and the complex wheel-terrain interaction in unstructured terrains. In this paper, a probabilistic deep meta-learning approach is proposed to model the existing uncertainty in the driving energy consumption and efficiently adapt the probabilistic predictions based on a small number of local measurements. The method expands upon an existing deterministic deep-meta learning model that, in contrast, only provided single-point energy estimates. The performance of the proposed method is compared against the deterministic approach in a 3D-body dynamic simulator over several typologies of deformable terrains and unstructured geometries. In this way, the benefits of the proposed method are illustrated to enhance the predictions with informative probabilistic considerations, which can be crucial to the safety of mobile robots traversing challenging, unstructured environments.

Mobile Robot Autonomous Navigation: A Path Planning Approach

This work proposes a novel approach for solving the problem of safe autonomous navigation and path planning for a four-wheel robot. To formulate and state the optimization problem, we first model the robot kinematics, then associate the objective functions and constraints to the model. The multi-objective optimization problem we formulated is then solved using the Decomposition-Coordination (DC) technique. The DC method consists of subdividing the global complex problem into smaller sub-problems that are considerably easier to solve and can be processed in parallel, which minimizes the computational time and allows the algorithm to generate the optimal path in near real-time. The four-wheel robot starts executing the generated path, except if an obstruction comes across, then it will correct its path with the assistance of an obstacle avoidance algorithm. This same process of obstacle avoidance continues until the robot reaches its desired goal. In this paper, we present a brief proof of the convergence and stability of the DC method. We also explain the principle of the collision avoidance algorithm, and finally, we present the results of our simulations.

Robust and Safe Autonomous Navigation for Systems With Learned SE(3) Hamiltonian Dynamics

Stability and safety are critical properties for successful deployment of automatic control systems. As a motivating example, consider autonomous mobile robot navigation in a complex environment. A control design that generalizes to different operational conditions requires a model of the system dynamics, robustness to modeling errors, and satisfaction of safety constraints, such as collision avoidance. This paper develops a neural ordinary differential equation network to learn the dynamics of a Hamiltonian system from trajectory data. The learned Hamiltonian model is used to synthesize an energy-shaping passivity-based controller and analyze its <i>robustness</i> to uncertainty in the learned model and its <i>safety</i> with respect to constraints imposed by the environment. Given a desired reference path for the system, we extend our design using a virtual reference governor to achieve tracking control. The governor state serves as a regulation point that moves along the reference path adaptively, balancing the system energy level, model uncertainty bounds, and distance to safety violation to guarantee robustness and safety. Our Hamiltonian dynamics learning and tracking control techniques are demonstrated on simulated hexarotor and quadrotor robots navigating in cluttered 3D environments.

Autonomous Learning and Navigation of Mobile Robots Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning

Aiming at the problems of convergence difficulties faced by deep reinforcement learning algorithms in dynamic pedestrian environments, and insufficient reward and feedback mechanisms, a data-driven and model-driven navigation algorithm which named GRRL has been proposed. In order to enrich and perfect the reward feedback mechanism, we designed a dynamic reward function. The reward function fully considers the relationship between the robot and the pedestrian and the target position. It mainly includes three parts. The experimental results show that the autonomous learning efficiency and the average navigation success rate of the mobile robot driven by the GRRL algorithm are improved, the average navigation time is shorter. The dynamic reward function we designed has a certain improvement effect on robot navigation.

Design a Nonlinear MPC Controller for Autonomous Mobile Robot Navigation System Based on ROS

Design a Nonlinear MPC Controller for Autonomous Mobile Robot Navigation System Based on ROS

Autonomous Mobile Robot Navigation Based on Training and Switching of Action Models According to Environments

Autonomous Mobile Robot Navigation Based on Training and Switching of Action Models According to Environments

Vision-based vanishing point detection of autonomous navigation of mobile robot for outdoor applications

The vision-based approach to mobile robot navigation is considered superior due to its affordability. This paper aims to design and construct an autonomous mobile robot with a vision-based system for outdoor navigation. This robot receives inputs from camera and ultrasonic sensor. The camera is used to detect vanishing points and obstacles from the road. The vanishing point is used to detect the heading of the road. Lines are extracted from the environment using a canny edge detector and Houghline Transforms from OpenCV to navigate the system. Then, removed lines are processed to locate the vanishing point and the road angle. A low pass filter is then applied to detect a vanishing point better. The robot is tested to run in several outdoor conditions such as asphalt roads and pedestrian roads to follow the detected vanishing point. By implementing a Simple Blob Detector from OpenCV and ultrasonic sensor module, the obstacle's position in front of the robot is detected. The test results show that the robot can avoid obstacles while following the heading of the road in outdoor environments. Vision-based vanishing point detection is successfully applied for outdoor applications of autonomous mobile robot navigation.

Small obstacle size prediction based on a GA-BP neural network.

Accurate and effective acquisition of obstacle size parameters is the basis for environment perception, path planning, and autonomous navigation of mobile robots, and is the key to improve the walking performance of mobile robots. In this paper, a generic algorithm-back propagation (GA-BP) neural network-based method for small obstacle size prediction is proposed for mobile robots to perceive the environment quantitatively. A machine vision-based small obstacle size measurement experiment was designed, and 228 sets of sample data were obtained. A genetic algorithm optimized back propagation neural network was used to build a small obstacle size prediction model with obstacle pixel width, pixel height, pixel area, and obstacle-to-camera distance as input parameters and actual obstacle width, actual height, and actual area as output parameters. The results show that the correlation coefficient (R2) between the predicted and expected values of the test data is higher than 0.999, the root mean square error is lower than 5.573, and the mean absolute percentage error is lower than 2.84%. The good agreement between its predicted and expected values indicates that the model can accurately predict the size of small obstacles. The GA-BP neural network-based small obstacle size prediction method proposed in this paper is simple to execute, has good real-time performance, and provides a new, to the best of our knowledge, way of thinking for mobile robots to acquire environmental data.

Realtime autonomous navigation in V-Rep based static and dynamic environment using EKF-SLAM

&lt;p&gt;Localization in an autonomous mobile robot allows it to operate autonomously in an unknown and unpredictable environment with the ability to determine its position and heading. Simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) are introduced to solve the problem where no prior information about the environment is available either static or dynamic to achieve standard map-based localization. The primary focus of this research is autonomous mobile robot navigation using the extended Kalman filter (EKF)-SLAM environment modeling technique which provides higher accuracy and reliability in mobile robot localization and mapping results. In this paper, EKF-SLAM performance is verified by simulations performed in a static and dynamic environment designed in V-REP i.e., 3D Robot simulation environment. In this work SLAM problem of two-wheeled differential drive robot i.e., Pioneer 3-DX in indoor static and dynamic environment integrated with Laser range finder i.e., Hokuyo URG-04LX- UG01, LIDAR, and Ultrasonic sensors is solved. EKF-SLAM scripts are developed using MATLAB that is linked to V-REP via remote API feature to evaluate EKF-SLAM performance. The reached results confirm the EKF- SLAM is a reliable approach for real-time autonomous navigation for mobile robots in comparison to other techniques.&lt;/p&gt;

Navigation of a wheeled mobile robotic agent using modified grey wolf optimization controller

PurposeSmooth and autonomous navigation of mobile robot in a cluttered environment is the main purpose of proposed technique. That includes localization and path planning of mobile robot. These are important aspects of the mobile robot during autonomous navigation in any workspace. Navigation of mobile robots includes reaching the target from the start point by avoiding obstacles in a static or dynamic environment. Several techniques have already been proposed by the researchers concerning navigational problems of the mobile robot still no one confirms the navigating path is optimal.Design/methodology/approachTherefore, the modified grey wolf optimization (GWO) controller is designed for autonomous navigation, which is one of the intelligent techniques for autonomous navigation of wheeled mobile robot (WMR). GWO is a nature-inspired algorithm, which mainly mimics the social hierarchy and hunting behavior of wolf in nature. It is modified to define the optimal positions and better control over the robot. The motion from the source to target in the highly cluttered environment by negotiating obstacles. The controller is authenticated by the approach of V-REP simulation software platform coupled with real-time experiment in the laboratory by using Khepera-III robot.FindingsDuring experiments, it is observed that the proposed technique is much efficient in motion control and path planning as the robot reaches its target position without any collision during its movement. Further the simulation through V-REP and real-time experimental results are recorded and compared against each corresponding results, and it can be seen that the results have good agreement as the deviation in the results is approximately 5% which is an acceptable range of deviation in motion planning. Both the results such as path length and time taken to reach the target is recorded and shown in respective tables.Originality/valueAfter literature survey, it may be said that most of the approach is implemented on either mathematical convergence or in mobile robot, but real-time experimental authentication is not obtained. With a lack of clear evidence regarding use of MGWO (modified grey wolf optimization) controller for navigation of mobile robots in both the environment, such as in simulation platform and real-time experimental platforms, this work would serve as a guiding link for use of similar approaches in other forms of robots.

Autonomous and Safe Navigation of Mobile Robots in Vineyard with Smooth Collision Avoidance

In recent years, autonomous robots have extensively been used to automate several vineyard tasks. Autonomous navigation is an indispensable component of such field robots. Autonomous and safe navigation has been well studied in indoor environments and many algorithms have been proposed. However, unlike structured indoor environments, vineyards pose special challenges for robot navigation. Particularly, safe robot navigation is crucial to avoid damaging the grapes. In this regard, we propose an algorithm that enables autonomous and safe robot navigation in vineyards. The proposed algorithm relies on data from a Lidar sensor and does not require a GPS. In addition, the proposed algorithm can avoid dynamic obstacles in the vineyard while smoothing the robot’s trajectories. The curvature of the trajectories can be controlled, keeping a safe distance from both the crop and the dynamic obstacles. We have tested the algorithm in both a simulation and with robots in an actual vineyard. The results show that the robot can safely navigate the lanes of the vineyard and smoothly avoid dynamic obstacles such as moving people without abruptly stopping or executing sharp turns. The algorithm performs in real-time and can easily be integrated into robots deployed in vineyards.

High-precision and robust localization system for mobile robots in complex and large-scale indoor scenes

High-precision and robust localization is the key issue for long-term and autonomous navigation of mobile robots in industrial scenes. In this article, we propose a high-precision and robust localization system based on laser and artificial landmarks. The proposed localization system is mainly composed of three modules, namely scoring mechanism-based global localization module, laser and artificial landmark-based localization module, and relocalization trigger module. Global localization module processes the global map to obtain the map pyramid, thus improve the global localization speed and accuracy when robots are powered on or kidnapped. Laser and artificial landmark-based localization module is employed to achieve robust localization in highly dynamic scenes and high-precision localization in target areas. The relocalization trigger module is used to monitor the current localization quality in real time by matching the current laser scan with the global map and feeds it back to the global localization module to improve the robustness of the system. Experimental results show that our method can achieve robust robot localization and real-time detection of the current localization quality in indoor scenes and industrial environment. In the target area, the position error is less than 0.004 m and the angle error is less than 0.01 rad.

Onboard dynamic RGB‐D simultaneous localization and mapping for mobile robot navigation

Although the actual visual simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) algorithms provide highly accurate tracking and mapping, most algorithms are too heavy to run live on embedded devices. In addition, the maps they produce are often unsuitable for path planning. To mitigate these issues, we propose a completely closed-loop online dense RGB-D SLAM algorithm targeting autonomous indoor mobile robot navigation tasks. The proposed algorithm runs live on an NVIDIA Jetson board embedded on a two-wheel differential-drive robot. It exhibits lightweight three-dimensional mapping, room-scale consistency, accurate pose tracking, and robustness to moving objects. Further, we introduce a navigation strategy based on the proposed algorithm. Experimental results demonstrate the robustness of the proposed SLAM algorithm, its computational efficiency, and its benefits for on-the-fly navigation while mapping.

Lane Detection Algorithm Using LRF for Autonomous Navigation of Mobile Robot

This paper proposes a lane detection algorithm using a laser range finder (LRF) for the autonomous navigation of a mobile robot. There are many technologies for ensuring the safety of vehicles, such as airbags, ABS, and EPS. Further, lane detection is a fundamental requirement for an automobile system that utilizes the external environment information of automobiles. Representative methods of lane recognition are vision-based and LRF-based systems. In the case of a vision-based system, the recognition of the environment of a three-dimensional space becomes excellent only in good conditions for capturing images. However, there are so many unexpected barriers, such as bad illumination, occlusions, vibrations, and thick fog, that the vision-based method cannot be used for satisfying the abovementioned fundamental requirement. In this paper, a three-dimensional lane detection algorithm using LRF that is very robust against illumination is proposed. For the three-dimensional lane detection, the laser reflection difference between the asphalt and the lane according to color and distance has been utilized with the extraction of feature points. Further, a stable tracking algorithm is introduced empirically in this research. The performance of the proposed algorithm of lane detection and tracking has been experimentally verified.