This paper presents a new method to perform collaborative real-time dense 3D mapping in a distributed way for a multi-robot system. This method associates a Truncated Signed Distance Function (TSDF) representation with a manifold structure. Each robot owns a private map which is composed of a collection of local TSDF sub-maps called patches that are locally consistent. This private map can be shared to build a public map collecting all the patches created by the robots of the fleet. In order to maintain consistency in the global map, a mechanism of patch alignment and fusion has been added. This work has been integrated in real-time into a mapping stack, which can be used for autonomous navigation in unknown and cluttered environment. Experimental results on a team of wheeled mobile robots are reported to demonstrate the practical interest of the proposed system, in particular for the exploration of unknown areas.

In this paper, a new local planning algorithm for urban autonomous driving is presented. Our main contribution is to define a fully algorithmic method, based on a geometrical representation of the environment, to compute predictive speed profiles on multiple paths, to ensure safety and comfort with respect to the scene and its predicted evolution. Simulation results are provided to evaluate the behaviour of the proposed algorithm on various scenarios. Those results show a good, comfortable and safe reaction of the vehicle to its static and dynamic environment with processing times compatible with real-time control.

In this article, an algorithmic speed planning method for an autonomous vehicle dealing with moving obstacles is presented. Using the path-time space to represent collision zones with other vehicles, algorithms are proposed to pass before and after, while ensuring the respect of safety distances. Simulation results are proposed to show the generated speed profiles in common driving scenarios.

Path planning algorithms for autonomous vehicles need to account for safety and comfort, more so, in scenarios where the possibility of casualties are higher due to increased traffic frequency and limited visibility. In this paper, we discuss the idea of a virtual obstacle deployed at occluded scenarios to avoid a potential collision or severe deceleration of the egovehicle. Urban scenarios like intersections, roundabout and merging are experimented. Results of simulating the integration of virtual obstacle with the trajectory planning algorithm, are analyzed in detail comparing speed and acceleration profiles.