Using the Monte Carlo Localization Algorithm to Allow for Effective Indoor Navigation

Session Number

F16

Advisor(s)

Phadmakar Patankar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

Location

A-115

Start Date

28-4-2016 9:15 AM

End Date

28-4-2016 9:40 AM

Abstract

The Global Positioning System (GPS)is the most widely used navigation system to help travelers get from one place to another. However, because the system requires satellite signals to obtain an object’s location and subsequently give it direction, it doesn’t work well for indoor navigation. In this investigation, the goal was to create a way to localize an object indoors and allow it to navigate through an indoor setting with the same ease as using a GPS outdoors. Using Java, we constructed a system that would localize a robot through the Monte Carlo Localization algorithm and navigate to another location using a map of the indoor area. Preliminary results suggest that indoor navigation using the algorithm is plausible but that the effectiveness of navigation may be hindered by some issues regarding external forces, calibration, and timeliness in getting to its destination. These issues are currently being looked into. Though this navigation system is not yet effective, this investigation has shown that this sort of system is plausible and can have huge implications regarding helping those disabled navigate indoors more easily and allowing navigation and localization through building with complex interiors to be a little bit easier.


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Apr 28th, 9:15 AM Apr 28th, 9:40 AM

Using the Monte Carlo Localization Algorithm to Allow for Effective Indoor Navigation

A-115

The Global Positioning System (GPS)is the most widely used navigation system to help travelers get from one place to another. However, because the system requires satellite signals to obtain an object’s location and subsequently give it direction, it doesn’t work well for indoor navigation. In this investigation, the goal was to create a way to localize an object indoors and allow it to navigate through an indoor setting with the same ease as using a GPS outdoors. Using Java, we constructed a system that would localize a robot through the Monte Carlo Localization algorithm and navigate to another location using a map of the indoor area. Preliminary results suggest that indoor navigation using the algorithm is plausible but that the effectiveness of navigation may be hindered by some issues regarding external forces, calibration, and timeliness in getting to its destination. These issues are currently being looked into. Though this navigation system is not yet effective, this investigation has shown that this sort of system is plausible and can have huge implications regarding helping those disabled navigate indoors more easily and allowing navigation and localization through building with complex interiors to be a little bit easier.