Sky-Ground Segmentation

Recent works in this project include sky-ground segmentation and obstacle detection using thermal sensor information only. We have also successfully demonstrated that existing neural networks, like YOLO, can be retrained on thermal data and yield good results. Current work is focused on making autonomy possible with thermal vision exclusively. Future work will focus on cross calibration of thermal and visual data and improving autonomy robustness.

Thermal vision for UAVs

This project focuses on integrating thermal cameras for enhanced drone vision. The goal of the project is to successfully implement thermal camera vision on a drone with cheap, lightweight thermal sensors. The effectiveness of thermal vision will be studied to determine environments in which thermal data shines, after which possible applications can be explored. Pictured here is an experiment of thermal camera calibration using a one dimensional calibration object.

Vision Based Collaborative Localization for UAVs

The main aim of this project is to create a framework that can perform collaborative localization between groups of micro aerial vehicle (multirotor vehicles) using monocular cameras as the only sensors. Especially in the context of UAV swarms, which is rapidly becoming a popular idea in robotics, the focus is usually on small platforms with limited sensory payload and computational capacity. In the context of such groups, having each vehicle run its own version of... 2 minute read

1/10th scale waypoint following

The lab has implemented waypoint following using Intel’s Euclid and LIDAR on a 1/10th scale RC car. Videos were take of the 1/10th scale waypoint following proof of concept, and high speed waypoint following.

Sign Detection with LIDAR

One required ability for autonomous vehicles is to correctly identify street signs. This project investigates the feasibility of using a LIDAR sensor to detect, and classify signs for autonomous vehicles. Current popular methods for sign detection are vision based, however, in case of low visibility, a LIDAR detection method can be used instead.

Self-driving Vehicle and Pedestrian Communication

With advances in self-driving technology, drivers are soon to be replaced by autonomous vehicles. Therefore, it is important to keep the communication between the vehicles and the pedestrians uninterrupted. This project aims to design a system to communicate with pedestrians visually and audibly. Currently, we have developed a system that displays messages to pedestrians based on the velocity of the vehicle. We are also working on installing parametric speakers to send messages to pedestrians who... 1 minute read