Lidar Robot Navigation 101:“The Complete” Guide For Beginners
LiDAR Robot Navigation LiDAR robots move using a combination of localization and mapping, as well as path planning. This article will introduce the concepts and show how they work by using an easy example where the robot achieves a goal within a row of plants. LiDAR sensors have modest power requirements, allowing them to extend the battery life of a robot and reduce the raw data requirement for localization algorithms. This allows for a greater number of iterations of SLAM without overheating GPU. LiDAR Sensors The sensor is the core of Lidar systems. It releases laser pulses into the surrounding. These light pulses strike objects and bounce back to the sensor at various angles, based on the composition of the object. The sensor measures how long it takes each pulse to return and utilizes that information to calculate distances. Sensors are mounted on rotating platforms that allow them to scan the area around them quickly and at high speeds (10000 samples per second). LiDAR sensors are classified according to whether they are designed for applications in the air or on land. Airborne lidar systems are usually mounted on aircrafts, helicopters or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Terrestrial LiDAR is typically installed on a robot platform that is stationary. To accurately measure distances the sensor must always know the exact location of the robot. This information is usually captured by an array of inertial measurement units (IMUs), GPS, and time-keeping electronics. These sensors are used by LiDAR systems to determine the exact location of the sensor within space and time. This information is then used to build a 3D model of the environment. LiDAR scanners are also able to identify different types of surfaces, which is especially useful when mapping environments that have dense vegetation. When a pulse crosses a forest canopy, it is likely to generate multiple returns. The first one is typically attributable to the tops of the trees while the last is attributed with the surface of the ground. If what is lidar navigation robot vacuum robotvacuummops as distinct, this is known as discrete return LiDAR. Discrete return scans can be used to study the structure of surfaces. For instance, a forested region might yield a sequence of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd returns, with a final, large pulse representing the ground. The ability to divide these returns and save them as a point cloud makes it possible for the creation of precise terrain models. Once an 3D model of the environment is constructed and the robot is equipped to navigate. This involves localization and building a path that will reach a navigation “goal.” It also involves dynamic obstacle detection. This is the process of identifying obstacles that aren't present in the original map, and updating the path plan accordingly. SLAM Algorithms SLAM (simultaneous localization and mapping) is an algorithm that allows your robot to build an outline of its surroundings and then determine where it is in relation to the map. Engineers utilize the information for a number of tasks, including path planning and obstacle identification. To be able to use SLAM the robot needs to have a sensor that gives range data (e.g. laser or camera) and a computer running the right software to process the data. You will also need an IMU to provide basic information about your position. The system can track the precise location of your robot in a hazy environment. The SLAM system is complicated and there are many different back-end options. No matter which solution you choose for an effective SLAM, it requires a constant interaction between the range measurement device and the software that extracts the data and the robot or vehicle. This is a highly dynamic process that is prone to an infinite amount of variability. As the robot moves it adds scans to its map. The SLAM algorithm analyzes these scans against previous ones by using a process known as scan matching. This allows loop closures to be identified. When a loop closure has been identified, the SLAM algorithm utilizes this information to update its estimated robot trajectory. Another factor that makes SLAM is the fact that the environment changes in time. If, for example, your robot is navigating an aisle that is empty at one point, and it comes across a stack of pallets at a different point, it may have difficulty matching the two points on its map. This is where handling dynamics becomes crucial, and this is a standard feature of the modern Lidar SLAM algorithms. Despite these issues however, a properly designed SLAM system is extremely efficient for navigation and 3D scanning. It is especially beneficial in situations where the robot isn't able to rely on GNSS for its positioning for positioning, like an indoor factory floor. However, it's important to remember that even a well-designed SLAM system may have errors. To correct these mistakes it is essential to be able to spot them and understand their impact on the SLAM process. Mapping The mapping function creates a map of a robot's environment. This includes the robot and its wheels, actuators, and everything else within its field of vision. The map is used for the localization, planning of paths and obstacle detection. This is an area where 3D lidars can be extremely useful since they can be used as an actual 3D camera (with only one scan plane). Map building is a long-winded process but it pays off in the end. The ability to build a complete, consistent map of the robot's environment allows it to perform high-precision navigation, as well being able to navigate around obstacles. As a rule of thumb, the greater resolution the sensor, more precise the map will be. Not all robots require high-resolution maps. For instance a floor-sweeping robot might not require the same level detail as an industrial robotic system navigating large factories. There are many different mapping algorithms that can be utilized with LiDAR sensors. Cartographer is a popular algorithm that utilizes a two phase pose graph optimization technique. It corrects for drift while ensuring a consistent global map. It is especially useful when used in conjunction with the odometry. Another option is GraphSLAM which employs a system of linear equations to model constraints of graph. The constraints are modeled as an O matrix and an the X vector, with every vertex of the O matrix representing a distance to a landmark on the X vector. A GraphSLAM update is an array of additions and subtraction operations on these matrix elements which means that all of the X and O vectors are updated to account for new robot observations. SLAM+ is another useful mapping algorithm that combines odometry and mapping using an Extended Kalman filter (EKF). The EKF updates not only the uncertainty in the robot's current position but also the uncertainty of the features that were recorded by the sensor. This information can be used by the mapping function to improve its own estimation of its location and to update the map. Obstacle Detection A robot must be able detect its surroundings so that it can overcome obstacles and reach its goal. It utilizes sensors such as digital cameras, infrared scanners laser radar and sonar to sense its surroundings. Additionally, it utilizes inertial sensors to determine its speed, position and orientation. These sensors assist it in navigating in a safe manner and prevent collisions. A range sensor is used to gauge the distance between the robot and the obstacle. The sensor can be attached to the robot, a vehicle or even a pole. It is crucial to remember that the sensor is affected by a variety of factors, including wind, rain and fog. Therefore, it is important to calibrate the sensor prior to each use. The results of the eight neighbor cell clustering algorithm can be used to identify static obstacles. However this method has a low accuracy in detecting due to the occlusion created by the gap between the laser lines and the angular velocity of the camera, which makes it difficult to identify static obstacles within a single frame. To overcome this problem multi-frame fusion was implemented to improve the accuracy of the static obstacle detection. The method of combining roadside unit-based and obstacle detection using a vehicle camera has been proven to increase the efficiency of processing data and reserve redundancy for subsequent navigation operations, such as path planning. The result of this method is a high-quality picture of the surrounding area that is more reliable than one frame. The method has been compared with other obstacle detection methods like YOLOv5 VIDAR, YOLOv5, and monocular ranging in outdoor comparison experiments. The results of the study proved that the algorithm was able to correctly identify the location and height of an obstacle, in addition to its tilt and rotation. It also had a good performance in identifying the size of an obstacle and its color. The method was also reliable and steady even when obstacles moved.