Indoor Mobile Robot Path Planning Using QR Code

Abstract

Mobile robots that addresses the automation needs are extensively used in service-based environments like warehouses, hotels, hospitals, restaurants etc. Path planning to reach destination from a source is a crucial task for any mobile robot. An idle path planning algorithm given a source and destination, should plan a shortest path with less computation time autonomously. In this work Quick Response (QR) code is used as via point/landmark in the environment. QR code is a 2D barcode which stores more data than a traditional barcode system. Path matrix which contains navigation information to reach nearby via points or destinations is stored in QR code. These QR codes are placed on the floor strategically, such that given a destination, a mobile robot can navigate in a shortest route possible without any overall environment information. The proposed system is implemented and tested using an in-house built omnidirectional mobile robot powered by BeagleBone Black. The obtained results proves that the mobile robot is able to reach its destination point accurately.