Probabilistic Tracking and Trajectory Planning for Autonomous Ground Vehicles in Urban Environments

Abstract

The aim of this research is to develop a unified theory for perception and planning in autonomous ground vehicles, with a specific focus on obstacle tracking/identification and trajectory planning, so as to enable reasoned, intelligent planning rather than simple reactive planning. This final report details our contributions. First, we developed a new method for anticipating obstacle motion using Gaussian Processes in order to enable contingency planning. Second, we developed three new mapping strategies including a unified terrain model based on a Markov Random Fields; soft relative maps; and fusion of stochastic maps. Third, we developed a methodology for capturing negative information (e.g. reasoning about areas where there is no sensor data), which is then used to improve tracking of obstacles. Fourth, we developed a new smoothing method which enables real time update of complex density functions (e.g. complex maps, tracking dynamic obstacles) in the presence of sparse data. We have published /accepted 23 journal articles and conference papers.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 05, 2016
Accession Number
ADA635945

Entities

People

  • Mark E. Campbell

Organizations

  • Cornell University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Autonomy
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Algorithms
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Data Fusion
  • Department Of Defense
  • Detectors
  • Engineering
  • Gaussian Processes
  • Global Positioning Systems
  • Ground Vehicles
  • Mathematics
  • Measurement
  • Navigation
  • Nonlinear Systems
  • Probability
  • Students
  • Trajectories
  • Vehicles

Fields of Study

  • Computer science

Readers

  • Mathematical Modeling and Probability Theory.
  • Robotics and Automation.
  • Systems Analysis and Design