Hovermap is a 3D lidar mapping and autonomy payload suitable for small rotorcraft Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). It utilises our proprietary Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping (SLAM) solution to generate 3D point clouds and therefore does not require GPS. This allows low-cost, high-resolution UAV-based lidar mapping both indoors and outdoors. The lidar is also used in real-time for collision avoidance, providing a virtual safety sphere around the UAV. Download a fact-sheet for Hovermap100. Commercialisation Status Hovermap is currently being commercialised by Emesent Autonomy. For more information please contact: Stefan Hrabar. |
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| Hovermap100 prototype mounted to UAV | Commercial version of Hovermap100 |
The payload is a self-containted unit and can therefore be mounted to any suitable rotorcraft UAV without the need for autopilot integration. As the unit rotates is produces a full spherical field of view around the UAV with minimal occlusion from the UAV airframe. This makes it possible to map above, below and all around simultaneously so Hovermap is suitable for mapping indoors, underground and underneath overhanging structures such as bridges.
Map Generation
Lidar data is logged onboard to removable storage media during a mapping flight and then uploaded to a server for processing. Multiple maps with overlapping portions can automatically be combined.
Applications
- Asset management
- Infrastructure and building inspection
- Forensic crime scene mapping
- Underground mine mapping
Specifications
| Hovermap100 | |
| Lidar | Velodyne Puck Lite (VLP-16) |
| Lidar Range | Up to 100m |
| Lidar Dual Return | Yes |
| Lidar Intensity Values | Yes |
| Lidar Scan planes | 16 |
| Lidar Accuracy (local) | +/- 3cm |
3D Measurement Accuracy (Global SLAM accuracy) | +/- 0.1% (typically) |
| Angular Field of View | 360 x 360 degrees |
| Max Map Size | Unlimited* |
| Data Acquisition Speed | Up to 300,000 measurement points/sec |
| Recommended Flight Speed | up to 5 m/s (scene dependant) |
| Laser Safety Class | Class 1 Eye Safe |
| Power | 50-60W |
| Weight | 1500g |
| Point Cloud Format | .laz, .ply |
*Individual maps limited by available onboard storage. Separate maps can be merged
Videos
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Example Hovermap Mapping Applications
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Parkes Radio Telescope | Sydney Cricket Ground | Liquid Storage Tank |
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Communications Tower | Industrial Sheds (indoors) | Construction Site |
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| Power Lines | ||
Images copyright of Stefan Hrabar / CSIRO 2015. For permission to use these images please contact Stefan Hrabar .
Media Coverage
Wall Street Journal: http://on.wsj.com/2omkNzX
Australian Mining Review: http://bit.ly/2Hwkuvr
International Mining Magazine: http://bit.ly/2Czl3kt
Spatial Source article: "Australia leads RPAS collision avoidance technology"
UAS Vision article: "Australia Develops RPAS Collision Avoidance Technology"
The Huffington Post Australia article: "New Laser Technology Expected To Prevent Drone Collisions"
Publications
This paper describes a previous version of the payload (known as bentwing) which was passively actuated by the downwash of the UAV. The underlying mapping techniques are identical however:
Kaul, L., Zlot, R. and Bosse, M. (2015), Continuous-Time Three-Dimensional Mapping for Micro Aerial Vehicles with a Passively Actuated Rotating Laser Scanner. J. Field Robotics. doi: 10.1002/rob.21614 pdf