An Algorithmic Approach to Adapting Edge-based Devices for Autonomous Robotic Navigation

Abstract

A recent significant progress has been made in development of intelligent mobile robots that is capable of autonomous navigation using an edge-computing system. This could sense changes in its environment to control its mechanical behavior towards accomplishing preprogrammed motions. Several algorithms were used in developing the robot’s control software. These include the moving average filter, the extended Kalman filter, and the covariance algorithm. Using these algorithms, the robot could learn from its sensors to estimate and control its position, velocity, and the proximity of obstacles along its path, while autonomously navigating to a predetermined location on the earth’s surface. Results show that our algorithmic approach to developing software systems for autonomous robots using edge-computing devices is viable, cost-efficient, and robust. Hence, our work is a proof of concept for the further development of edge-based intelligence and autonomous robots.