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 is addressed in detail on these pages:

List of Commonly Used Sensors

<IR>

<Ultrasonic>

<Contact Switch>

<1D Lidar>

<2D Lidar>

<3D Lidar>

<Camera>

<Depth Camera>