Research

Can a robot drive 100s of Kilometers with < 1 m Error without GPS?

A considerably difficult aspect of Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) is the problem of uncertainty constrained long term point-to-point navigation where global loop closures to eliminate estimation biases may not be possible. In such scenarios, a prime concern is to control the rate of localization error growth. We have developed fundamental results on the underlying problem of localization and a novel SLAM technique that allows sub-meter localization error for a > 100 km trajectory without loop closure and using only on-board sensors, i.e., no GPS.

Applications may include:

  1. Self-driving cars
  2. Precision farming
  3. Planetary rovers
  4. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
  5. Autonomous Underwater Vehicles

To license this technology for commercial use or to learn more, please contact EDPL director Dr. Suman Chakravorty or Dr. Ismail Sheikh (smismail[at]tamu[dot]edu) at Texas A&M University Technology Commercialization, 800 Raymond Stotzer Parkway, Suite 2020, College Station, Texas 77845.

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