Obstacle Detection

Obstacle detection is the use of sensors and software to identify obstacles around the robot. Obstacle detection plays a critical role in preventing collisions, [[mapping/SLAM]], and generating information used by [[navigation and path planning]] algorithms.

Simple application: a robot reads output from a front-mounted IR or ultrasonic distance sensor to detect obstacles in front of itself and uses this information to stop before a collision happens.

Complex application: a robot uses a 3D lidar to scan its surroundings and passes the generated point cloud to a [[SLAM algorithm]] to update a map of its environment.

Sensor selection is a complex topic and depends on many factors and considerations.

List of Commonly Used Sensors

Infrared (IR) Distance Sensor

Ultrasonic Distance Sensor

[[Contact Switch]]

1D Lidar

2D Lidar

3D Lidar

[[Camera]]

[[Depth Camera]]