Navigation in GPS-denied dark environment using aperiodic flash-based photolocation – Dark-NAV

If electrolocation or echolocation have been the subject of robotic studies, photolocation has never been studied. Based on an intermittent and aperiodic light flash illumination, the Dark-NAV project proposes to develop an active photolocation sensor and the associated "event based" SLAM and navigation algorithms dedicated to UAVs. The intermittency of the illumination will allow the increase of the embarkable light power. Dark-NAV aims to develop a complete chain of navigation from the sensors to a fully aperiodic control. The Dark-NAV project relies on a consortium of laboratories (GIPSA-lab, ICube and ISM) with recognized experience in the field of vision and control for robotics. The project also involves the SUEZ industrial company in the field of water purification, which aims to use autonomous or semi-autonomous drones for the inspection and maintenance of its water pipelines and tanks.