Global localization for a small mobile robot using magnetic patterns

• Published in: 2010 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation pp. 2618 - 2623
• Main Authors: Won Suk You, Byung June Choi, Bumsoo Kim, Hyungpil Moon, Ja Choon Koo, Wankyun Chung, Hyouk Ryeol Choi
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: IEEE 01.05.2010
• Subjects: Error compensation; Error correction; Magnetic sensors; Mechanical engineering; Mobile robots; Robot sensing systems; Robotics and automation; Search methods; Uncertainty; USA Councils
• ISBN: 9781424450381; 1424450381
• ISSN: 1050-4729; 2577-087X
• DOI: 10.1109/ROBOT.2010.5509467

In this paper, we present a global localization and local pose error compensation method in a known structured environment using magnetic landmarks. In previous our research, it was possible to compensate the pose error (x e , y e , q e ) of a mobile robot correctly on the surface of structured environment with magnetic landmarks. In this work, we propose a methodology of arranging magnetic landmarks on the map such that properly arranged magnetic patterns ease the global localization of a mobile agent. Among total six patterns of magnetic-bar in square arrangement, five unique landmarks are obtained. Therefore, a heuristic pattern search method is applied to build the virtual map using five landmarks. In order to obtain the global pose information, the robot identifies the pattern of magnets, and obtains the current global pose information by comparing the measured neighboring patterns with the map information that is saved in advance. Experimental results show the effectiveness of the magnetic-pattern landmarks for the global localization and local pose control of a mobile robot.