Development of Drone Based SLAM

SLAM stands for simultaneous localization and mapping (sometimes called synchronized localization and mapping). It is the process of mapping an area whilst keeping track of the location of the device within that area. This is what makes mobile mapping possible. This allows map construction of large

Project Title

Development of Drone Based SLAM

Project Area of Specialization

Robotics

Project Summary

SLAM stands for simultaneous localization and mapping (sometimes called synchronized localization and mapping). It is the process of mapping an area whilst keeping track of the location of the device within that area. This is what makes mobile mapping possible. This allows map construction of large areas in much shorter spaces of time as areas can be measured using mobile robots, drones or vehicles. SLAM systems simplify data collection and can be used in outdoor or indoor environments.

Immediately following a catastrophe, the rapidity and precision of disaster relief actions become critical variables in decreasing the incident's human cost. Unfortunately, during large-scale catastrophes, infrastructure is disrupted, making it impossible for Search and Rescue (SAR) attempts to use ordinary transportation and communication means. As a result, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) can play an important role in search and rescue by providing surveillance, monitoring, and temporary communication networks. The drones inability to obtain location information with GPS in the inside environment is a significant obstacle to the development of drones and indoor robotics in the indoor environment. Indoor environment, after disaster, does not allow information through GPS and modern SLAM based low-cost prototypes are not available in the market, so this leads to slow rescue operations and loss of lives in disaster. This can be overcome by implementing SLAM based drone for immediate action.

Project Objectives

Our goal is to create a low-cost prototype that overcomes the challenge of obtaining location information inside GPS denied areas. The solution is to create a drone base SLAM system. The SLAM system is an ideal answer to the issue. This seeks to provide local map information to robots equipped with optical or laser sensors as Simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) is the computational problem of constructing or updating a map of an unknown environment while simultaneously keeping track of an agent's location within it.

Project Implementation Method

Project Implementation Methods are divided in following categories:

1. Literature review
2. 3D CAD Modelling
3. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for stresses
4. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) implementation through software available in the market.
5. Market Analysis
6. Procurement of equipment
7. Assembly of drone
8. Development of SLAM Algorithm on ROS Noetic
9. Preliminary testing
10. Final testing leading to final product

Benefits of the Project

SLAM based systems are inherently mobile – they are at their best when used on the move. Gone are the days of multiple static set-ups of bulky tripod-based systems. With a SLAM mobile mapping system, it is possible to simply walk through an environment building a digital map as you go, saving time and money by removing laborious set-ups from the equation. SLAM based mobile mapping systems slash survey times and can be over 10 times faster at acquiring data. 
 
Additionally, GPS doesn’t work indoors, it requires a line of sight to at least three satellites to function, but it is not just indoors that is out of bounds to GPS based systems. Forests prove difficult, as tree canopies block the line of sight to the sky and urban canyons or tall buildings block signals in built up environments too. SLAM based technology overcomes these obstacles by cutting out GPS altogether. SLAM system enables you to reach complex and enclosed spaces by attaching a scanner to a drone. This opens a whole new realm of environments to be surveyed, that were previously highly problematic, time consuming, or both.

SLAM can be used in following industries:

1. Disaster management
2. Fast, weekly progress monitoring of construction sites
3. Real-time surveys of residential, commercial and industrial facilities
4. Comprehensive site surveys of existing structures to be refurbished, remodeled or extended.
5. Agriculture sector

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

Our final product will be able to fully map an area whilst keeping track of its location within that area. It will allow map construction of large areas in much shorter spaces of time as areas will be covered using fast FPV drone. SLAM system will simplify data collection and can be used in outdoor or indoor environments.

Final product is basically divided into two systems

1. Hardware system
2. Software system

Hardware system consists of drone frame assembled including battery for power, Raspberry Pi (a minicomputer for all required calculations) propellers, Pixhawk Flight controller and wi-fi telemetry module for data transfer.

Software system is basically brain of drone. This is a SLAM Algorithm integrated in Raspberry Pi to control drone movement and acquire data about surrounding area.

Integrated hardware and software system, both are required for successful implementation of SLAM.

Final Deliverable of the Project

HW/SW integrated system

Core Industry

Telecommunication

Other Industries

Agriculture , Media , Health , Security

Core Technology

Robotics

Other Technologies

Artificial Intelligence(AI)

Sustainable Development Goals

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Partnerships to achieve the Goal

Required Resources

If you need this project, please contact me on contact@adikhanofficial.com