Algorithm and Implementation of Human Following Co-bot using 2D LiDAR

摘要

Co-bots - collaborative robots are designed to interact directly with humans in close proximity. Some human-robot collaborative applications like surveillance, clinical services, media outlets, defense, and social associations, may require an autonomous robot to have the ability to distinguish and track a person and to follow him around. Smart suitcases and smart trolleys are practical applications of human detection and following co-bots. Initially seen as a special case of object tracking, the task of person following with autonomous robots before long turned into a challenging task of its own especially when using a short-range sensor like laser range scanner. Therefore, we have proposed and implemented an effective algorithm forintelligent detection, tracking, and following a specified target person. The decision is being made by the control unit based on the information obtained from 2D LIDAR mounted at knee height, hence, enabling the mobile co-bot to follow the target in a dynamic environment without any collision.