Abstract:
A solution for estimating the pose of a platform, such as a vehicle, is provided. Data from a plurality of types of sensing devices located on the platform can be used to independently calculate a plurality of preliminary estimates corresponding to the pose. A plurality of estimates corresponding to the pose can be generated using the preliminary estimates and at least one covariance matrix. One or more entries in the covariance matrix are adjusted based on an uncertainty for the corresponding preliminary estimate. The uncertainty can vary based on time, distance, and/or velocity of the platform.
Abstract:
The present invention is concerned with an inspection of distributed parts of an industrial process by an unmanned vehicle or mobile sensor platform equipped with appropriate sensors, with the control of the sensor and the signal returned by the vehicle being integrated into a SCADA system of the industrial process. Specifically, an operator is able to direct the UAV to ad-hoc inspection points of the distributed industrial, with an optimal or preferred route being determined automatically.
Abstract:
Vector Field SLAM is a method for localizing a mobile robot in an unknown environment from continuous signals such as WiFi or active beacons. Disclosed is a technique for localizing a robot in relatively large and/or disparate areas. This is achieved by using and managing more signal sources for covering the larger area. One feature analyzes the complexity of Vector Field SLAM with respect to area size and number of signals and then describe an approximation that decouples the localization map in order to keep memory and run-time requirements low. A tracking method for re-localizing the robot in the areas already mapped is also disclosed. This allows to resume the robot after is has been paused or kidnapped, such as picked up and moved by a user. Embodiments of the invention can comprise commercial low-cost products including robots for the autonomous cleaning of floors.
Abstract:
A method of operating a mobile robot (100) that includes driving the robot according to a drive direction, determining a driven path (1012) of the robot from an origin (1013), and displaying a drive view (1010) on a remote operator control unit (400) in communication with the robot. The drive view shows the driven path of the robot from the origin. The method further includes obtaining global positioning coordinates of a current location of the robot and displaying a map (1014) in the drive view using the global positioning coordinates. The driven path of the robot is displayed on the map.
Abstract:
A remote operator console provides point and go navigation of a robotic vehicle. The remote operator console provides a display for visual representation of the environment in which the robotic vehicle is operating based on sensor information received from the robotic vehicle. An operator may designate a target point on the display. The robotic vehicle is automatically navigated toward a location in the environment corresponding to the designated target point.
Abstract:
Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zur Steuerung einer autonomen Vorrichtung (10), insbesondere eines autonomen Arbeits- oder Wachroboters. Erfindungsgemäß wird vorgeschlagen, dass das Verfahren zumindest folgende Schritte aufweist a) Bestimmung einer Position, insbesondere der initialen Position, der autonomen Vorrichtung (10), b) Übermittlung der Position der autonomen Vorrichtung (10) an eine entfernte Anwendung (22), c) Ermittlung von Informationen, insbesondere Umgebungsdaten, zur Position der autonomen Vorrichtung (10) mit Hilfe der entfernten Anwendung (22), d) Übermittlung von Informationen, insbesondere Umgebungsdaten, zur Position der autonomen Vorrichtung an die autonome Vorrichtung (10). Darüber hinaus betrifft die Erfindung eine solche autonome Vorrichtung (10), sowie ein System (10, 22,24,28) zur Steuerung einer autonomen Vorrichtung (10), bestehend aus zumindest einer Einrichtung (24) zur Lokalisierung der autonomen Vorrichtung (10), Übertragungsmitteln (18,30) zur Datenübertragung der autonomen Vorrichtung (10) mit einer entfernten Anwendung (22), sowie mit zumindest einer Datenbank (28).
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a robot using a learning control architecture comprising three layers: a reasoning layer, a reactive layer, and a modelling layer. The reasoning layer develops strategies from given commands and measured sensor/actuators signals, the reactive layer develop control commands from strategies and from sensor/actuator signals, and the modelling layer is used by both the reactive and reasoning layer to build a physical model of the world around the robot.
Abstract:
The invention is related to methods and apparatus that use a visual sensor and dead reckoning sensors to process Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM). These techniques can be used in robot navigation. Advantageously, such visual techniques can be used to autonomously generate and update a map. Unlike with laser rangefinders, the visual techniques are economically practical in a wide range of applications and can be used in relatively dynamic environments, such as environments in which people move. One embodiment further advantageously uses multiple particles to maintain multiple hypotheses with respect to localization and mapping. Further advantageously, one embodiment maintains the particles in a relatively computationally-efficient manner, thereby permitting the SLAM processes to be performed in software using relatively inexpensive microprocessor-based computer systems.