Robotic electrolocation: Active underwater target localization with electric fields

James R. Solberg*, Kevin M. Lynch, Malcolm A. MacIver

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

27 Scopus citations

Abstract

We explore the capabilities of a robot designed to locate objects underwater through active movement of an electric field emitter and sensor apparatus. The robot is inspired by the biological phenomenon of active electrolocation, a sensing strategy found in two groups of freshwater fishes known to emit weak electric fields for target localization and communication. We characterize the performance of the robot using several types of automatic electrolocation controllers, objects, and water conditions. We demonstrate successful electrolocation both in the conditions in which it is naturally observed, in low conductivity water, as well as in conditions in which it is not observed, in water of ocean salinity. The belief of the position of the target is maintained via a particle filter and refined with each measurement.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2007 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, ICRA'07
Pages4879-4886
Number of pages8
DOIs
StatePublished - 2007
Event2007 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, ICRA'07 - Rome, Italy
Duration: Apr 10 2007Apr 14 2007

Publication series

NameProceedings - IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation
ISSN (Print)1050-4729

Conference

Conference2007 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, ICRA'07
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityRome
Period4/10/074/14/07

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Software
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Control and Systems Engineering

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