SLAM the Robots Margaret Jefferies Department of Computer Science University of Waikato

Autonomous Mobile Robots and SLAM!

Some Real Robots

Robots might not be taking over the world any time soon but they could soon rule the roost if most New Zealanders have their way. More than two-thirds of New Zealanders would welcome robots to do chores around the house, according to a study of 750 people, commissioned by Honda. Most people wanted robots to help with housework, many wanted an extra mechanical hand with the washing up and some wanted a robot to mow the lawns.

Politicians and the All Blacks need to watch their backs – some respondents suggested robots should replace politicians and that a team of robots might fare better than the present rugby team. Some people said they would even swap their partners for robots. Women were keener for a robotic partner, with 5.5 per cent saying they would like to switch, compared with just 3.3 per cent of men wanting to replace their partner.

Autonomous Mobile Robots need SensorsSensors –Lasers, sonar, camera Control behaviourControl behaviour – A strategy for moving around –Obstacle avoidance A map of the environmentA map of the environment LocalisationLocalisation –A way of figuring out where it is A plan for getting to its goalA plan for getting to its goal

Sensing Range sensors very popularRange sensors very popular –Reflected light or sound –Time of flight –Not too much data Camera sensor not so popularCamera sensor not so popular –Too much data

Autonomous Mobile Robots need SensorsSensors –Lasers, sonar, camera Control behaviourControl behaviour – A strategy for moving around –Obstacle avoidance A map of the environmentA map of the environment LocalisationLocalisation –A way of figuring out where it is A plan for getting to its goalA plan for getting to its goal

Control Behaviour

Control Behaviour Obstacle avoidance

Autonomous Mobile Robots need SensorsSensors –Lasers, sonar, camera Control behaviourControl behaviour – A strategy for moving around –Obstacle avoidance A map of the environmentA map of the environment LocalisationLocalisation –A way of figuring out where it is A plan for getting to its goalA plan for getting to its goal

A map of the environment

Lego robot

Localisation

Simultaneous Mapping and Localisation SLAM

Planning goal start

Planning goal start

What do you need to study robotics At School Essential - Mathematics English Useful - Physics At University Essential - Computer Science Mathematics Useful -Physics