Using the Kinect for search and rescue robotics

Abstract

The Microsoft Kinect has been used prolifically in robotics applications including rescue robotics since its introduction in November 2010, but its limitations have seldom been addressed. Although the low cost depth sensor is an attractive option for use in robot navigation, mapping, and human robot interaction, its poor performance in bright sunlight makes it generally unsuitable for outdoor work. This paper briefly surveys the Kinect's use in rescue robotics and similar applications, and highlights the associated challenges.