Positioning sensor system for mobile robots using magnetic markers

摘要

In recent studies, many methods have been studied for mobile robot using magnetic markers on its pathway. This is not influenced by the weather conditions, and makes possible to develop controller with low level processors and simple algorithms. However, the interval between magnets is restricted by the magnetic field intensity and it is impossible to get road information ahead. This paper suggests a method of widening markers and expressing the road information ahead using magnetic markers, and explains a sensor arrangement considering suggested methods. Also, magnetic field analysis was done to investigate the effects of widening magnetic markers with various environments. A small mobile robot was made to figure out the performance of suggested methods, and driving experiments were performed on the straight and curved road with magnetic markers. The results show that the robot moved the prearranged pathway with 0.5 cm lateral displacements and stopped at a stop line using magnetic information on the road.