posted on 2002-01-01, 00:00authored byChris P. Urmson, M. Bernardine Dias, Reid G. Simmons
This paper describes the navigation system used on a
prototype sun-synchronous robot. Sun-synchrony is a
concept that will enable exploration missions by solarpowered
rovers that could last months or years. This
paper presents navigation algorithms developed for
traversing natural terrain robustly. The novel elements
of this work are the refinements necessary to transform
laboratory-demonstrated technologies into a form
useful for robust, sun-synchronous exploration. Results
of a field experiment in the Canadian Arctic, where the
robot traversed 6.1km, 90% autonomously, are also
presented.