172
Literature Reviews About Obstacle Avoidance Using Ultrasonic Sensors
Ultrasonic sensors play critical role in making robots for detecting obstacles and avoid collision (Yarlagadda & Kim, 2012). Robots have a lot of significance in the modern world (Graetz and Michaels, 2015). Many industries are currently using robots for daily application (Johnson & Hanify, n.d). Gageick, Muller, and Montenegro (2012; King, 2011) study on obstacle detection and collision avoidance using ultrasonic sensors revealed the above. Researchers are constantly making robots for navigating to places where human beings cannot reach. Some devices such as mobile robots can easily perform different tasks without any human intervention when fitted with ultrasonic sensors that easily detect any obstacle and navigate the object towards the free way (Borestein and Koren, 1998). Borestein and Koren’s study revealed that the ability of a robot to effectively avoid obstacles using ultrasonic sensors depends on the performance of ultrasonic range finders. The project will utilize more effective finders to ensure higher sensitivity; hence, improved performance (1998). Borenstein and Koren (1988) developed a mobile robot system for performing tasks for the physically disabled. The robot utilized ultrasonic range finders to avoid collision with unseen obstacles. Like Borestein and Koren’s study, Borenstein and Koren also revealed that the performances of ultrasonic sensors depend on the sensitivity of range finders.
The effectiveness of the robot is more important than its size. Arduino UNO-controlled robots work more efficiently because they incorporate current technologies to perform different operation. The Arduino Uno has a maximum width and length of 2.1 and 2.7 inches respectively, hence it occupies a very small space in the robot. It senses the surrounding environment by receiving sound signals and converting them into electronic signals. A robot must perceive enough information regarding the environment to determine safe paths and presence of obstacles. Ultrasonic sensors make use of rich information and creating a map of the environment, then planning for the best route to take to avoid obstacles. The system uses ultrasonic echo to perceive objects (McKero, and Antoun, 2007). Additionally, the distance between the robot and the obstacle determines the performance of ultrasonic sensors (Majchrzak, Michalski, and Wiczynski, 2009). Most robots are designed to operate in open areas and those designed to operate in buildings use different systems. Combining Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag sensor with ultrasonic sensors would increase the performance of the robot (Arulselvi, 2014).
References
Arulselvi, S. (2014). Robot navigation system with RFID and ultrasonic sensors. Middle-East
Borestein, J., and Koren, Y. (1998). Obstacle avoidance with ultrasonic sensors. IEEE Journal of
Robotics and Automation, 4(2), 213-218.
Borenstein, J. and Koren, Y., (1988). “Obstacle avoidance with ultrasonic sensors,” Robotics and
Automation, IEEE Journal of Robostics and Automation, 4(2), 213-218.
Gageik, N., Muller, T. and Montenegro, S. (2012). Obstacle detection and collision avoidance
using ultrasonic distance sensors for an autonomous quadrocopter. Germany: Aerospace Information Technology.
Graetz, G. and Michaels, G. (2015). Robots at work. London: Center for Economic Performance.
Johnson, K., & Hanify, D. (n.d.). The Current Status and Impact of Industrial Robot Technology
in USA. Industrial Robot: An International Journal, 60-66.
King, K. (2011). Obstacle avoidance subsystem for an autonomous robot. Honors Program
Projects. Paper 7. Retrieved from http://digitalcommons.olivet.edu/honr_proj/7/
Majchrzak, J., Michalski, M., and Wiczynski, G. (2009). Distance estimation with a long-range
ultrasonic sensor system. IEEE Sensors Journal, 9(7), 767-773
McKerro, P. J., and Antoun, S, M. (2007). Research into navigation woth CTFM ultrasonic
sensors. UOW 63rd Annual Meeting, 674-680.
Yarlagadda, P., & Kim, Y. (2012). Measurement Technology and its Application. Zurich: Trans Tech.
