Abstract:
Tracking mobile objects can present many challenges, especially when they are autonomous or semi-autonomous and may move unpredictably. Many of these issues can be mitigated using mobile tracking stations mounted on robots under the user's direct control. These mobile tracking stations are controlled to remain in the formation that yields the best position estimate of the tracked object. Santa Clara University's Robotics Systems Laboratory has performed three studies that show this to be a feasible and efficacious method that is ready to transition from laboratory to real world trials.