Command Fusion for Navigation of Mobile Robots in Dynamic Environments with Objects

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a fuzzy inference model for a navigation algorithm for a mobile robot that intelligently searches goal location in unknown dynamic environments. Our model uses sensor fusion based on situational commands using an ultrasonic sensor. Instead of using the "physical sensor fusion" method, which generates the trajectory of a robot based upon the environment model and sensory data, a "command fusion" method is used to govern the robot motions. The navigation strategy is based on a combination of fuzzy rules tuned for both goal-approach and obstacle-avoidance based on a hierarchical behavior-based control architecture. To identify the environments, a command fusion technique is introduced where the sensory data of the ultrasonic sensors and a vision sensor are fused into the identification process. The result of experiment has shown that highlights interesting aspects of the goal seeking, obstacle avoiding, decision making process that arise from navigation interaction.