Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) is a way for robots to reconstruct a map of an area and localize itself in its environment. However, most existing SLAM formulations do not tell a robot how to move around to create a map of its environment on its own. The goal of my project is to create an autonomous SLAM approach so that a robot can move around an unknown environment autonomously to create an accurate map. We will consider reactive solutions, such as wall following, as well as planning solutions, such as frontier exploration. Our approach to autonomous SLAM will also take object avoidance into consideration. We will implement the most promising approaches on a robot.

“I am participating in SuperUROP because I am very interested in robotics. I hope to gain more experience in research and apply my robotics and programming skills from my classes to my project. I am most excited that I get to explore robotics further and hopefully end with a successful project that has meaningful results.”