Ground Penetrating Radar Based Localization

Localization refers to the process of estimating ones location (and often orientation) within an environment. Ground vehicle automation, which offers the potential for substantial safety and logistical benefits, requires accurate, robust localization. Current localization solutions, including GPS/INS, LIDAR, and image registration, are all inherently limited in adverse conditions. This paper presents a method of localization that is robust to most conditions that hinder existing techniques. MIT Lincoln Laboratory has developed a new class of ground penetrating radar (GPR) with a novel antenna array design that allows mapping of the subsurface domain for the purpose of localization. A vehicle driving through the mapped area uses a novel real-time correlation-based registration algorithm to estimate the location and orientation of the vehicle with respect to the subsurface map. A demonstration system has achieved localization accuracy of 2 cm. We also discuss tracking results for the first autonomous vehicle to use this technology and the potential for miniaturized general use systems.