Automatic Correction of an Automated Guided Vehicle’s Course Using Measurements from a Laser Rangefinder

In order for AGVs to be able to effectively carry out the tasks assigned to them, it is important to accurately determine their position and orientation in the working space. Having data on the location of an AGV is crucial for the navigation process, and the most commonly used odometry method is unreliable due to errors. To correct these errors, additional measuring systems are used. These systems use a variety of sensors. Some of the most widely used types are laser rangefinders. These sensors are also used in the automatic course correction methodology that is developed and presented in this article. The measurements from laser rangefinders are used to determine the shift of the actual trajectory from the set one, and then to guide the AGV to the previously set course. The developed methodology is experimentally verified on the basis of several dozen test drives. The conducted experimental studies prove the correctness of the developed methodology. The proposed course correction algorithm can be implemented in most working conditions, and guarantees correct passage over the given route.