A Novel Methodology for Autonomous Planetary Exploration Using Multi-Robot Teams

Fuente: arXiv
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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Swinton, Sarah, Ewers, Jan-Hendrik, McGookin, Euan, Anderson, David, Thomson, Douglas
Format: Preprint
Published: 2024
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author Swinton, Sarah
Ewers, Jan-Hendrik
McGookin, Euan
Anderson, David
Thomson, Douglas
author_facet Swinton, Sarah
Ewers, Jan-Hendrik
McGookin, Euan
Anderson, David
Thomson, Douglas
contents One of the fundamental limiting factors in planetary exploration is the autonomous capabilities of planetary exploration rovers. This study proposes a novel methodology for trustworthy autonomous multi-robot teams which incorporates data from multiple sources (HiRISE orbiter imaging, probability distribution maps, and on-board rover sensors) to find efficient exploration routes in Jezero crater. A map is generated, consisting of a 3D terrain model, traversability analysis, and probability distribution map of points of scientific interest. A three-stage mission planner generates an efficient route, which maximises the accumulated probability of identifying points of interest. A 4D RRT* algorithm is used to determine smooth, flat paths, and prioritised planning is used to coordinate a safe set of paths. The above methodology is shown to coordinate safe and efficient rover paths, which ensure the rovers remain within their nominal pitch and roll limits throughout operation.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2405_12790
institution arXiv
publishDate 2024
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle A Novel Methodology for Autonomous Planetary Exploration Using Multi-Robot Teams
Swinton, Sarah
Ewers, Jan-Hendrik
McGookin, Euan
Anderson, David
Thomson, Douglas
Robotics
One of the fundamental limiting factors in planetary exploration is the autonomous capabilities of planetary exploration rovers. This study proposes a novel methodology for trustworthy autonomous multi-robot teams which incorporates data from multiple sources (HiRISE orbiter imaging, probability distribution maps, and on-board rover sensors) to find efficient exploration routes in Jezero crater. A map is generated, consisting of a 3D terrain model, traversability analysis, and probability distribution map of points of scientific interest. A three-stage mission planner generates an efficient route, which maximises the accumulated probability of identifying points of interest. A 4D RRT* algorithm is used to determine smooth, flat paths, and prioritised planning is used to coordinate a safe set of paths. The above methodology is shown to coordinate safe and efficient rover paths, which ensure the rovers remain within their nominal pitch and roll limits throughout operation.
title A Novel Methodology for Autonomous Planetary Exploration Using Multi-Robot Teams
topic Robotics
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2405.12790