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EZ-SLAM

by Synthiam

SLAM for the ARC NMS

How to add the EZ-SLAM robot skill

  1. Load the most recent release of ARC (Get ARC).
  2. Press the Project tab from the top menu bar in ARC.
  3. Press Add Robot Skill from the button ribbon bar in ARC.
  4. Choose the Navigation category tab.
  5. Press the EZ-SLAM icon to add the robot skill to your project.

Don't have a robot yet?

Follow the Getting Started Guide to build a robot and use the EZ-SLAM robot skill.

How to use the EZ-SLAM robot skill

This skill is for the ARC NMS (Navigation messaging system) to display Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM). A LIDAR is recommended to be used in conjunction with this skill to create an accurate SLAM map of the robot's environment. Verify the Lidar you choose can push scan data into the NMS for this to work.

NMS (Navigation Messaging System) If you're not familiar with the NMS, please read this support document that explains how this robot skill interacts with others: https://synthiam.com/Support/ARC-Overview/robot-navigation-messaging-system

This skill operates at level #1 in the NMS stack. For Level #3 sensor data, it is best used in conjunction with a 360-degree lidar. This skill does require telemetry positioning data from Level #3 Group #2. This skill does not provide navigation ability, which is why we recommended The Navigator for waypoint navigation. View the NMS page for compatible robot skills that provide telemetry/pose data (NMS Level #3 Group #2) and obstacle detection data (NMS Level #3 Group #1). User-inserted image

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#1  

This looks amazing Ez-Lidar Slam, A must have item! So it is not available yet?

PRO
Synthiam
#2  

Not yet - there was a discussion a few months ago on it because we were having some challenges getting affordable pricing from the lidar manufacturer. We've since been able to obtain some head-way but not guaranteed yet. I think we'll end up supporting another lidar. The tough part is there's no standard for the data, so we can't make it universal. We'll have to select a hardware lidar that is available and affordable to people

#3  

Well that is good that you guys are still on top of this,I did download the plugin to have a look and it looks like something exciting to work with, also Like the fact that you may look at more affordable Lidar products.

#4  

@DJ,

Which Lidar unit is the plugin compatible with? Will you please release the wiring diagram?

Thank you.

PRO
Synthiam
#5  

Zero that you have access to. There’s a control board that we designed which uses imu for navigation that connects to the Lidar. Until we sort out the supplier relationship for the physical Lidar unit, we’ll have to wait :(

#7   — Edited

Looking at buying the TF mini Lidar as it uses a focused IR LED instead of a Laser to keep it cheap. As my 2 Ultrasonic collision detectors were great indoors but not so much outdoors. Would the EZ Lidar plugin work with something like this or will I need to just add a small laptop to the robot and some how get the signals working on EZ controller a different way? I believe I can likely just hook them up to the EZ controller digital pins since it is same thing as any regular LED's.Also I did see there is an XV-11 cheap Lidar that also has a plugin in EZB,so will take a look at that too.....and final note, for I.R. Led collision detection possibly the Sharp I.R. plugin for EZ software is the cheapest effective way so I would say a toss up on TF mini or Sharp depending where you can find the best price online.Sunlight outside can be a problem with I.R. detection so it needs to be covered from direct view of sunlight  as I remember my old V2 robot I.R. detection going crazy in the sun. So for great accuracy up to 40 meters I am looking at this Lidar only because it says free shipping and that makes a good discount on price but not sure about availability....https://www.robotshop.com/ca/en/lidar-lite-3-laser-rangefinder.html

PRO
Synthiam
#8  

Version 20: Updated to work with the NMS as a level 1 map viewer

#9   — Edited

Ha ha so DJ all these new sensor and camera toys I want to buy but this is the absolute worst time to buy as I was talking to Purolator Courier on the phone "Where is my damned Roomba brush I ordered Dec 1st??? Still in the Toronto sorting Hub, hopefully out for delivery Monday....If tuesday I am screwed because delivery guys never find my side entrance and I have a doctor appointment,may not be here to receive brush. Apparently same situation for hundreds of other people that ordered anything for Christmas Rush, if you order anything now you likely won't get until January new year! After holidays are done. So even boxing day sale you need to brave the mask wearing sheep lined up outdoors waiting to get in store all day in line up,in freezing cold, Tired and needing a beer,LOL!xD

PRO
USA
#10  

Great holiday present! Thanks!!

PRO
Synthiam
#11   — Edited

There has not been an update to this robot skill for a few weeks. It isn't very reliable in comparison to The Navigator. I recommend using The Navigator at this point in this development of EZ-SLAM.

Here is a link to The Navigator: https://synthiam.com/Support/Skills/Navigation/The-Navigator?id=20072

#12  

Tv show ghost Nation just try out lidar room mapping hoping to catch blips of ghosts in between rooms and halls. Use of tablet to see lidar map . The infrared night vision shows the lasers as a flickering line on the walls for tv viewers. We already know false positive noise will show up,not ghosts,LoL!xD