Ravindu G. Thalagala
Papers
2
Total Citations
18
H-Index
2
About
Ravindu G. Thalagala is a pioneering researcher in autonomous aerial navigation, specializing in sensor fusion for GNSS-denied environments. His work centers on developing robust visual-inertial-LiDAR (VIL) systems that enable drones and aircraft to navigate and map without satellite signals. His most impactful contribution, the "MUN-FRL" dataset (16 citations), provides a unique outdoor aerial dataset captured using a multi-sensor payload on a DJI-M600 hexacopter, with flight distances from 300 meters to 5 kilometers. This resource has become a benchmark for advancing navigation research in GPS-denied scenarios. Thalagala also designed an interchangeable payload unit for real-time VIL odometry and mapping (VILOAM), compatible with platforms ranging from small drones to full-scale Bell 412 helicopters. This innovation demonstrates his ability to bridge laboratory research with practical, scalable aerial systems. With a growing citation record and a focus on real-world deployment, Thalagala’s work is shaping the future of autonomous flight in challenging environments, making him a key figure in robotics and aerospace engineering.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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- 2