Collision-Free Dynamic Window Approach for Moving Obstacles


Invention Summary:

Collision avoidance systems are used in many applications like robots, electric wheelchairs, and autonomous vehicles for navigating around static obstacles. Dynamic window approach (DWA) is popular and known as a collision-free navigation algorithm for static obstacles, but it will often collide with moving obstacles with inaccurate trajectory predictions. Existing DWA needs trajectory predictions for collision avoidance for moving obstacles, such as using 2 seconds past information to predict future 3 seconds trajectory. However, existing, and current technologies are limited to avoiding collisions with dynamic objects.

Researchers at Rutgers have developed a novel algorithm that enables autonomous devices to actively avoid moving obstacles. Prototypes using the system demonstrated the ability to efficiently determine admissible velocity of the agent considering the mobility of moving obstacles.  The invention removes the trajectory prediction and guarantees collision-free for moving obstacles.

Market Applications:

  • Autonomous vehicles
  • Robots
  • Electric wheelchairs
  • Aircraft/UAVs

Advantages:

  • Avoid collisions with moving obstacles without the need of trajectory predictions.
  • Improves the safety of cars, robots, and patient mobility devices.

Intellectual Property & Development Status: Patent pending. Available for licensing and/or research collaboration. Please contact marketingbd@research.rutgers.edu

Patent Information:
Contact:
Wenjuan Zhu
Licensing Manager
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
848-932-4058
wz284@research.rutgers.edu
Keywords:
Robotics