Autonomous Mobile Robot Localization Using Elevated LIDAR
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous mobile robots face challenges in accurately navigating and transporting objects in dynamic environments with varying obstacles and changing ambient conditions, such as distribution centers and backyards, where human presence and movable objects frequently alter the detection scenario, affecting the accuracy of localization and route planning.
Innovation Solution
The autonomous mobile robot is equipped with a first detector positioned higher than surrounding objects to minimize interference, a second detector for real-time obstacle detection, and a control system that generates routes avoiding obstacles using SLAM technology, ensuring accurate localization and navigation while adapting to changing environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the detector is positioned at a low height to reduce device complexity, then the device complexity is reduced, but the localization accuracy deteriorates due to interference from surrounding objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by elevating the detector to a higher vertical position (first height) above surrounding objects. This spatial repositioning in the vertical dimension eliminates interference from objects at lower levels, thereby improving localization accuracy without adding complex interference mitigation systems.
2Measurement precision
If the detector is positioned high to improve localization accuracy, then the localization accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the mobile robot itself a universal platform that integrates both movement functionality and detection functionality. By mounting the detector on the mobile robot, the system achieves high localization accuracy through elevated positioning while avoiding the need for separate fixed detection infrastructure, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If SLAM technology is used to improve localization accuracy in dynamic environments, then the localization accuracy is improved, but the computation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-building and storing a map of the environment before autonomous navigation begins. This pre-processing of spatial information allows the robot to perform faster localization during operation by comparing sensor data against the pre-existing map, rather than constructing the map in real-time during navigation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The robot effectively navigates and transports objects by accurately calculating its position and generating obstacle-avoiding routes, maintaining efficiency even in dynamic environments with varying obstacles, ensuring reliable operation in distribution centers and backyards.
Implementation Method 1
the AGV is configured to calculate a self-location by measuring a direction and a distance with respect to a reflector provided on a wall using a laser range finder
Implementation Method 2
a second detector configured to obtain second data by scanning an object at a second region around the autonomous mobile robot
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an autonomous mobile robot has a driver, a first detector, a second detector, a localization estimation part, a route-generating part, and a control part. The localization estimation part is configured to calculate an estimated position of the autonomous mobile robot in a predetermined region in accordance with first data. The route-generating part is configured to calculate a position of an object present around the autonomous mobile robot in accordance with second data. The route-generating part is configured to calculate a route to a target position in accordance with the estimated position and the position of the object. The control part is configured to control the driver in accordance with the route. The control part is configured to cause the autonomous mobile robot to travel to the target position.