Collaborative Localization with Ultra Wide Bands for Air and Space
This ambitious project merges two cutting-edge research areas to create a comprehensive system for multi-UAV collaborative localization and GPS-denied navigation, specifically targeting challenging environments such as urban areas with limited GPS access and lunar lava tubes where GPS-like signals are entirely unavailable. The project spans multiple stages, from system design to algorithm development, testing, and real-world validation.
In Stage 1, the objective is to design and implement a system where multiple UAVs collaborate to achieve precise localization in environments with varying signal availability by using fusion of GPS and UWB (Ultra-Wideband) sensors, thus creating a robust system that can switch between relative and absolute positioning depending on signal availability. We will test various formation patterns and navigation tasks in both indoor and outdoor spaces, ensuring the system's reliability across different scenarios.
In the second phase of the project, we will focus on developing a navigation system combining UWB and visual-inertial odometry for exploring GPS-denied environments like lunar lava tubes. We will develop advanced algorithms to fuse UWB ranging data with visual-inertial odometry, providing continuous and accurate navigation data. We will also design a prototype test bed, equipping a ground rover platform with the necessary sensors and technologies to validate the navigation system in a controlled environment.
Research in this lab directly addresses critical challenges in robotics, including improving navigation in uncharted environments, enhancing sensor fusion techniques, and developing robust autonomous systems. These applications extend beyond space exploration to fields like autonomous vehicles, drones, and smartphones. Key student outcomes are:
- Students in the lab will emerge with a broad and valuable skill set, having collaborated across robotics, aerospace engineering, computer vision, and AI.
- Students will gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge robotics platforms, advanced sensors, and powerful computational tools, and exposure to advanced programming, machine learning, deep learning, sensor fusion, and hardware integration.
- Students will be equipped to develop novel solutions to complex robotics challenges by using creative thinking and engineering prototyping.
- Students will gain the opportunity to collaborate with either industry or government organizations on impactful projects, leading to real-world applications.