Applanix’ Director of Land and Autonomous Vehicle Strategy, Louis Nastro, sat down with Helen Norman of Autonomous Vehicle International ahead of the 2019 Autonomous Vehicle Technology Expo, to shed light on the layered approach which makes Applanix AV positioning and localization both highly precise and reliable.
Describing how GNSS-inertial solutions for end-users and OEMs can be used as an aiding source as well as a complete workflow solution, Louis underscored the importance of tailoring each system with modifiable hardware and software, as well as performing rigorous on-site testing to meet each client’s unique objectives. The challenge, he explained, is creating a workflow that performs seamlessly in different operating environments, and that is equally dependable in scenarios with a host of unpredictable variables, such as the weather.
“We perform a number of detailed steps before we even deploy our localization solutions. These include characterizing sensor performance, ensuring that the sensor will work with our localization software, validating items such as precise timing and calibration, etc.”
– Louis Nastro, Dir. of Land & Autonomous Vehicle Strategy
In the interview, Louis also delves into some of the obstacles facing true, seamless localization and perception with “sensor-fusion” – specifically, with deploying sensors (such as LiDAR, radar, UWB, infrared, etc.) that work dependably in all environments at an attainable price point.
The original article appeared in Autonomous Vehicle International’s October 2019 publication.