一种结合区域检测和语义分割的SLAM技术

提出一种结合区域检测和语义分割的即时定位和建图（SLAM）技术，通过引入高精度图像描述子SIFT来实现前端视觉里程计（VO）过程中帧间像素匹配的精度。为了降低引入操作带来的计算复杂度，设计一个实时区域检测算法，在相邻帧间检测大致相似的ROI(Region of Interest)关键区域，使得SIFT描述子的提取和匹配只在ROI区域内完成，其余区域仍旧采用精度略低、效率更高的ORB算子。同时，为了提高后端BA(Bundle Adjustment)的精度，减少累积误差，结合语义图，在原有的基本投影误差函数上添加一个语义误差。该语义图采用实时语义分割算法完成，同时只针对ROI区域进行分割。通过与原SLAM方案对比实验，表明本文提出的方法，在提高一定精度的同时，仍能满足SLAM实时定位和建图的要求。最后，在电力作业场景下验证了该方案的效果。     

Multimodal sensing and active continuous closed‐loop feedback for achieving reliable manipulation in the outdoor physical world

The use of field robots can greatly decrease the amount of time, effort, and associated risk compared to if human workers were to carryout certain tasks such as disaster response. However, transportability and reliability remain two main issues for most current robot systems. To address the issue of transportability, we have developed a lightweight modularizable platform named AeroArm. To address the issue of reliability, we utilize a multimodal sensing approach, combining the use of multiple sensors and sensor types, and the use of different detection algorithms, as well as active continuous closed‐loop feedback to accurately estimate the state of the robot with respect to the environment. We used Challenge 2 of the 2017 Mohammed Bin Zayed International Robotics Competition as an example outdoor manipulation task, demonstrating the capabilities of our robot system and approach in achieving reliable performance in the fields, and ranked fifth place internationally in the competition.     

An improved adaptive unscented Kalman filter for estimating the states of in‐wheel‐motored electric vehicle

Vehicle state is essential for active safety stability control. However, the accurate measurement of some vehicle states is difficult to achieve without the use of expensive equipment. To improve estimation accuracy in real time, this paper proposes an estimator of vehicle velocity based on the adaptive unscented Kalman filter (AUKF) for an in‐wheel‐motored electric vehicle (IWMEV). Given the merits of an independent drive structure, the tire forces of the IWMEV can be directly calculated through a vehicle dynamic model. Additionally, by means of the normalized innovation square, the validity of vehicle velocity estimation can be detected, and the sliding window length can be adjusted adaptively; thus, the steady‐state error and the dynamic performance of the IWMEV are demonstrated to be simultaneously improved over an alternative approach in comparisons. Then, an adaptive adjustment strategy for the noise covariance matrices is introduced to overcome the impact of parameter uncertainties. The numerically simulated and experimental results prove that the proposed vehicle velocity estimator based on AUKF not only improves estimation accuracy but also possesses strong robustness against parameter uncertainties. The deployment of the estimation algorithm by using a single‐chip microcomputer verifies the strong real‐time performance and easy‐to‐implement characteristics of the proposed algorithm.     

里程计辅助的高精度车载GNSS/INS组合导航系统

针对城市隧道、偏远山区等复杂路况下,卫星导航系统信号被遮挡较严重或无卫星导航系统信号的场景中,车载GNSS/INS组合导航系统精度下降的问题,提出一种里程计辅助的高精度车载GNSS/INS组合导航方法。该方法中的组合滤波模式可根据载车环境变化在GNSS/INS组合模式和DR/INS组合模式间实现自适应切换,该组合导航方法将三维里程计航位推算位置误差作为状态量扩充到常规组合导航滤波器中,里程计的标度因数误差、安装角误差可通过里程计误差标定方法离线精确得到,后续使用只需将里程计误差参数装订到组合导航系统中即可。车载试验表明,7 km的信号遮挡场景下组合导航系统单个方向上的位置误差最大值也不大于8 m,整个跑车过程中位置误差在3 m以内,进一步保证了车载GNSS/INS组合导航系统复杂路况下的高精度定位。     

A Real Time Self-Tuning Motion Controller for Mobile Robot Systems

This paper proposes an intelligent controller for motion control of robotic systems to obtain high precision tracking without the need for a real-time trial and error method. In addition, a new self-tuning algorithm has been developed based on both the ant colony algorithm and a fuzzy system for real-time tuning of controller parameters. Simulations and experiments using a real robot have been addressed to demonstrate the success of the proposed controller and validate the theoretical analysis. Obtained results confirm that the proposed controller ensures robust performance in the presence of disturbances and parametric uncertainties without the need for adjustment of control law parameters by a trial and error method.      

非连续路段下移动机器人的轨迹跟踪

针对轮式移动机器人在非连续路段下的轨迹跟踪问题,对移动机器人数学模型和道路模型的建立、轨迹信息的获取以及控制器的设计进行了研究。首先分析了移动机器人的运动学方程及对摄像机的标定,通过建立移动机器人的直线轨迹跟踪模型,并用二值化方法对非连续路段进行了图像处理,提取了图像中非连续路段信息,实现了移动机器人在轨迹跟踪过程中运动的可靠性;然后基于Lyapunov函数设计了渐进稳定的轨迹跟踪控制器,使移动机器人能够在连续路段和非连续路段跟踪确定路径;最后通过Matlab进行了仿真。仿真结果表明,所设计的控制器和算法能使移动机器人的跟踪误差快速收敛于零,轨迹跟踪效果良好,适用于移动机器人对非连续路段的轨迹跟踪控制。     

High‐speed mobility on planetary surfaces: A technical review

Despite the success so far accomplished in the robotic exploration of the Moon and Mars, the constraints associated with newly proposed mission concepts manifest the need for a faster surface prospection. Increasing driving velocities is being considered as a potential solution to the requirements introduced by these missions. This review presents the benefits and foreseeable challenges of using faster locomotive solutions for space exploration. Information is provided regarding the set of missions that would benefit most from faster locomotive capabilities. Starting by understanding the theoretical framework governing the interaction of wheeled robots operating over loose, sandy terrains, we delve into the foundation of Bekker's classic terramechanic equations—the most frequently used method to predict mobile robots off‐road performance. We highlight its limitations and review the efforts that have been made to expand the range of application of these theories to dynamic wheel–soil interactions. We analyze the existing experimental evidence on the effects of increasing traveling velocities under earthbound, off‐road conditions. By paying special attention to previous experiences on the lunar surface, we outline the challenges that the combination of irregular terrains and a reduced‐gravity field may pose to a fast‐moving exploration rover. The principles, mathematical models, experimental evidence, and experiences presented in this review are meant to aid in the identification of poorly understood and insufficiently studied aspects regarding high‐speed extraterrestrial surface mobility.     

A robust adaptive fuzzy variable structure tracking control for the wheeled mobile robot: Simulation and experimental results

In this paper an adaptive fuzzy variable structure control (kinematic control) integrated with a proportional plus derivative control (dynamic control) is proposed as a robust solution to the trajectory tracking control problem for a differential wheeled mobile robot. The variable structure controller, based on the sliding mode theory, is a well known, proven control method, fit to deal with uncertainties and disturbances (e.g., structural and parameter uncertainties, external disturbances and operating limitations). To minimize the problems found in practical implementations of the classical variable structure controllers, an adaptive fuzzy logic controller replaces the discontinuous portion of the control signals (avoiding the chattering), causing the loss of invariance, but still ensuring the robustness to uncertainties and disturbances without having any a priori knowledge of their boundaries. Moreover, the adaptive fuzzy logic controller is a feasible tool to approximate any real continuous nonlinear system to arbitrary accuracy, and has a simple structure by using triangular membership functions, a low number of rules that must be evaluated, resulting in a lower computational load for execution, making it feasible for real time implementation. Stability analysis and the convergence of tracking errors as well as the adaptation laws are guaranteed with basis on the Lyapunov theory. Simulation and experimental results are explored to show the verification and validation of the proposed control strategy.     

加减速过程中车载航位推算误差补偿技术研究

研究轮式车辆加减速过程中带来的两种效应,即车辆载荷的转移及轮胎的滑动,并分析其对车辆航位推算的影响,综合这两种效应带来的影响,提出了轮胎计算半径的概念,建立了加减速过程中的误差补偿模型.跑车实验表明,经过误差补偿距离精度由3‰提高到0.5‰,精度提高近1个数量级.     

基于ARM嵌入式轮式小车寻迹算法的研究

介绍了基于ARM嵌入式轮式小车的循迹过程。采用ARM核心控制器,将红外传感器数据传输至AVR单片机,利用AVR单片机控制小车的直流电机运行,并完成循迹。重点研究了小车的循迹算法,并在此基础上提出了一种改进的直线加速算法。经调试本小车直线寻迹算法安全、稳定,达到了设计要求。