Indoor Navigation for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

This research proposed the use of inexpensive, lightweight range sensors for indoor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) navigation. Two potential range sensors were tested for suitability and error characteristics. The SHARP infrared range sensors provide a narrow beam and a higher resolution distance measurement, at the expense of de creased range (approximately 150–180 cm maximum). The MaxBotix® EX1™ ultrasonic range sensors had a longer range (up to 6.45 m) and a wider beam.