Indoor navigation for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

D. Michael Sobers, Girish Chowdhary, Eric Johnson

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

33 Scopus citations

Abstract

The ability for vehicles to navigate unknown environments is critical for autonomous operation. Mapping of a vehicle's environment and self-localization within that environment are especially difficult for an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) due to the complexity of UAV attitude and motion dynamics, as well as interference from external inuences such as wind. By using a stable vehicle platform and taking advantage of the geometric structure typical of most indoor environments, the complexity of the localization and map- ping problem can be reduced. Interior wall and obstacle location can be measured using low-cost range sensors. Relative vehicle location within the mapped environment can then be determined. By alternating between mapping and localization, a vehicle can explore its environment autonomously. This paper examines available low-cost range sensors for suitability in solving the mapping and localization problem. A control system and navigation algorithm are developed to perform mapping of indoor environments and localization. Simulation and experimental results are provided to determine feasibility of the proposed approach to indoor navigation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAIAA Guidance, Navigation, and Control Conference and Exhibit
StatePublished - Dec 1 2009
EventAIAA Guidance, Navigation, and Control Conference and Exhibit - Chicago, IL, United States
Duration: Aug 10 2009Aug 13 2009

Other

OtherAIAA Guidance, Navigation, and Control Conference and Exhibit
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityChicago, IL
Period8/10/098/13/09

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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