A Basic Study on Path Teaching Method for a Mobile Robot Using a Digital Camera

Abstract

This paper proposes a novel path teaching method for a mobile robot. In this method an operator takes pictures at significant points such as turning points, half way points and a destination on robot´s path by a digital camera. Then, the operator teaches the robot landmarks to recognize the images and actions for the robot to take at the significant points. The robot travels autonomously searching the landmarks and obeys the instructions when it recognizes reaching the significant points. By using this method, it is possible to teach paths for the mobile robot more easily. In this paper, outline of the proposed method and results of fundamental experiments in both indoor and outdoor environment to confirm possibility of the method are described.