Autonomous Ground Vehicles (AGV) & Robotics

Autonomous Robotic Vehicles

Autonomous ground vehicles (AGVs) are robotic vehicles capable of performing all or part of their tasks without requiring direct human control. They can follow pre-set waypoints or employ advanced technologies like machine learning, computer vision, and artificial intelligence to make decisions and navigate their surroundings.

AGVs can utilize various propulsion systems, including wheels, tracks, or legs, and while many are powered by electricity, larger models may use internal combustion engines. Their autonomous navigation is often supported by onboard processing systems running advanced algorithms like AI and SLAM (simultaneous localization and mapping). These vehicles may be purpose-built for autonomy or adapted from manned vehicles with additional autonomy equipment.

Military Uses

AGVs can serve in numerous roles that involve tasks too dangerous, unpleasant, or inefficient for humans. In military settings, they can be used for transporting supplies like ammunition and weaponry, medical evacuations, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), and enhancing force protection. AGVs can be programmed to travel in convoy formations or maintain a set distance behind infantry troops. While some autonomous robotic vehicles may be armed, regulations dictate that any firing must involve human oversight.

Commercial Applications

AGVs are also used for a range of civilian roles. These include agriculture, manufacturing, emergency response, mining, mapping and space travel. Self-driving cars are also under development, although full autonomy has yet to be achieved.

Self-driving cars use a range of sensors to perceive and navigate through their environment, including cameras, LiDAR for autonomous vehicles, GNSS receivers, odometers and IMUs (inertial measurement units). Data is combined using sensor fusion algorithms and processed using onboard embedded computing systems.

Autonomous cars and other autonomous vehicles can be categorized according to their level of autonomy, with a common scheme using six levels from zero (no autonomy) to five (capable of managing any task that would be faced by a human driver).

Blog Reference: Unmanned Systems Technology - https://www.unmannedsystemstechnology.com/expo/autonomous-ground-vehicles/