Evaluating UAV Path Planning Algorithms for Realistic Maritime Search and Rescue Missions

Fuente: arXiv
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Main Authors: Messmer, Martin, Zell, Andreas
Format: Preprint
Published: 2024
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author Messmer, Martin
Zell, Andreas
author_facet Messmer, Martin
Zell, Andreas
contents Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are emerging as very important tools in search and rescue (SAR) missions at sea, enabling swift and efficient deployment for locating individuals or vessels in distress. The successful execution of these critical missions heavily relies on effective path planning algorithms that navigate UAVs through complex maritime environments while considering dynamic factors such as water currents and wind flow. Furthermore, they need to account for the uncertainty in search target locations. However, existing path planning methods often fail to address the inherent uncertainty associated with the precise location of search targets and the uncertainty of oceanic forces. In this paper, we develop a framework to develop and investigate trajectory planning algorithms for maritime SAR scenarios employing UAVs. We adopt it to compare multiple planning strategies, some of them used in practical applications by the United States Coast Guard. Furthermore, we propose a novel planner that aims at bridging the gap between computation heavy, precise algorithms and lightweight strategies applicable to real-world scenarios.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2402_01494
institution arXiv
publishDate 2024
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Evaluating UAV Path Planning Algorithms for Realistic Maritime Search and Rescue Missions
Messmer, Martin
Zell, Andreas
Robotics
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are emerging as very important tools in search and rescue (SAR) missions at sea, enabling swift and efficient deployment for locating individuals or vessels in distress. The successful execution of these critical missions heavily relies on effective path planning algorithms that navigate UAVs through complex maritime environments while considering dynamic factors such as water currents and wind flow. Furthermore, they need to account for the uncertainty in search target locations. However, existing path planning methods often fail to address the inherent uncertainty associated with the precise location of search targets and the uncertainty of oceanic forces. In this paper, we develop a framework to develop and investigate trajectory planning algorithms for maritime SAR scenarios employing UAVs. We adopt it to compare multiple planning strategies, some of them used in practical applications by the United States Coast Guard. Furthermore, we propose a novel planner that aims at bridging the gap between computation heavy, precise algorithms and lightweight strategies applicable to real-world scenarios.
title Evaluating UAV Path Planning Algorithms for Realistic Maritime Search and Rescue Missions
topic Robotics
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2402.01494