260 research outputs found
An integrated localization-navigation scheme for distance-based docking of UAVs
In this paper we study the distance-based docking problem of unmanned aerial
vehicles (UAVs) by using a single landmark placed at an arbitrarily unknown
position. To solve the problem, we propose an integrated estimation-control
scheme to simultaneously achieve the relative localization and navigation tasks
for discrete-time integrators under bounded velocity: a nonlinear adaptive
estimation scheme to estimate the relative position to the landmark, and a
delicate control scheme to ensure both the convergence of the estimation and
the asymptotic docking at the given landmark. A rigorous proof of convergence
is provided by invoking the discrete-time LaSalle's invariance principle, and
we also validate our theoretical findings on quadcopters equipped with
ultra-wideband ranging sensors and optical flow sensors in a GPS-less
environment
UWB-based system for UAV Localization in GNSS-Denied Environments: Characterization and Dataset
Small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) have penetrated multiple domains over
the past years. In GNSS-denied or indoor environments, aerial robots require a
robust and stable localization system, often with external feedback, in order
to fly safely. Motion capture systems are typically utilized indoors when
accurate localization is needed. However, these systems are expensive and most
require a fixed setup. Recently, visual-inertial odometry and similar methods
have advanced to a point where autonomous UAVs can rely on them for
localization. The main limitation in this case comes from the environment, as
well as in long-term autonomy due to accumulating error if loop closure cannot
be performed efficiently. For instance, the impact of low visibility due to
dust or smoke in post-disaster scenarios might render the odometry methods
inapplicable. In this paper, we study and characterize an ultra-wideband (UWB)
system for navigation and localization of aerial robots indoors based on
Decawave's DWM1001 UWB node. The system is portable, inexpensive and can be
battery powered in its totality. We show the viability of this system for
autonomous flight of UAVs, and provide open-source methods and data that enable
its widespread application even with movable anchor systems. We characterize
the accuracy based on the position of the UAV with respect to the anchors, its
altitude and speed, and the distribution of the anchors in space. Finally, we
analyze the accuracy of the self-calibration of the anchors' positions.Comment: Accepted to the 2020 IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent
Robots and Systems (IROS 2020
A Review of Radio Frequency Based Localization for Aerial and Ground Robots with 5G Future Perspectives
Efficient localization plays a vital role in many modern applications of
Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV) and Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which would
contribute to improved control, safety, power economy, etc. The ubiquitous 5G
NR (New Radio) cellular network will provide new opportunities for enhancing
localization of UAVs and UGVs. In this paper, we review the radio frequency
(RF) based approaches for localization. We review the RF features that can be
utilized for localization and investigate the current methods suitable for
Unmanned vehicles under two general categories: range-based and fingerprinting.
The existing state-of-the-art literature on RF-based localization for both UAVs
and UGVs is examined, and the envisioned 5G NR for localization enhancement,
and the future research direction are explored
Autonomous Systems, Robotics, and Computing Systems Capability Roadmap: NRC Dialogue
Contents include the following: Introduction. Process, Mission Drivers, Deliverables, and Interfaces. Autonomy. Crew-Centered and Remote Operations. Integrated Systems Health Management. Autonomous Vehicle Control. Autonomous Process Control. Robotics. Robotics for Solar System Exploration. Robotics for Lunar and Planetary Habitation. Robotics for In-Space Operations. Computing Systems. Conclusion
Survey of computer vision algorithms and applications for unmanned aerial vehicles
This paper presents a complete review of computer vision algorithms and vision-based intelligent applications, that are developed in the field of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in the latest decade. During this time, the evolution of relevant technologies for UAVs; such as component miniaturization, the increase of computational capabilities, and the evolution of computer vision techniques have allowed an important advance in the development of UAVs technologies and applications. Particularly, computer vision technologies integrated in UAVs allow to develop cutting-edge technologies to cope with aerial perception difficulties; such as visual navigation algorithms, obstacle detection and avoidance and aerial decision-making. All these expert technologies have developed a wide spectrum of application for UAVs, beyond the classic military and defense purposes. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Computer Vision are common topics in expert systems, so thanks to the recent advances in perception technologies, modern intelligent applications are developed to enhance autonomous UAV positioning, or automatic algorithms to avoid aerial collisions, among others. Then, the presented survey is based on artificial perception applications that represent important advances in the latest years in the expert system field related to the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. In this paper, the most significant advances in this field are presented, able to solve fundamental technical limitations; such as visual odometry, obstacle detection, mapping and localization, et cetera. Besides, they have been analyzed based on their capabilities and potential utility. Moreover, the applications and UAVs are divided and categorized according to different criteria.This research is supported by the Spanish Government through the CICYT projects (TRA2015-63708-R and TRA2013-48314-C3-1-R)
Aerial Robotics for Inspection and Maintenance
Aerial robots with perception, navigation, and manipulation capabilities are extending the range of applications of drones, allowing the integration of different sensor devices and robotic manipulators to perform inspection and maintenance operations on infrastructures such as power lines, bridges, viaducts, or walls, involving typically physical interactions on flight. New research and technological challenges arise from applications demanding the benefits of aerial robots, particularly in outdoor environments. This book collects eleven papers from different research groups from Spain, Croatia, Italy, Japan, the USA, the Netherlands, and Denmark, focused on the design, development, and experimental validation of methods and technologies for inspection and maintenance using aerial robots
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