DIY 3D laser scanner with ROS

asked 2018-10-22 07:09:14 -0500

the3kr
91 ●13 ●18 ●23

Hi,

I'm trying to do SLAM with low-cost hardware. I've considered using an ultrasonic-sensor but read that it's not possible to do SLAM with a 1-point range sensor. Then I found fabscan which is a DIY 3D laser scanner. I'll like to ask if it's possible to do this ? If someone has tried it before ? and how to go about the integration with ROS?

Thanks.

answered 2018-10-22 09:32:51 -0500

Martin Günther

11816 ●82 ●159 ●198 https://www.dfki.de/en...

The intended use of FabScan seems to be stationary short-range 3D scanning of static objects. Each scan is probably going to take a relatively long time to complete. For these reasons, it won't be the right scanner for you.

For the most common SLAM algorithms (such as gmapping or Google cartographer), you only need a 2D laser scanner, not a 3D laser scanner.

On the turtlebot, a RGB-D camera like the Microsoft Kinect, Asus Xtion Pro Live (unfortunately no longer available) or Orbbec Astra is used to simulate a 2D laser scanner using one of these two packages:

http://wiki.ros.org/depthimage_to_las...

http://wiki.ros.org/pointcloud_to_las...

This is probably going to be your best bet - those 3D cameras are relatively cheap.

There are also low-cost 2D laser scanners such as the RPLIDAR. The main advantage over a 3D camera is the bigger field of view (360° instead of 60°), but I would try a 3D camera first.

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Comments

Would be hard pressed to find a cheaper or simpler scanner than neato botvac laser scanner with aftermarket mount and controller. I use on indoor robot and am really pleased with it. https://www.getsurreal.com/product/bo...

And No. I am not affiliated with that website.