Simultaneous Visual Localization and Mapping (vSLAM) offers a large number of applications, which is why it is gaining popularity around the world. As far as commercial application is concerned, this technology is not yet sufficiently developed. But it helps address the shortcomings of many navigation and vision systems. Therefore, it can also become quite popular in commercial industries. Let’s take a deeper look at this technology.
First of all, it is important to note that Visual SLAM is not the name of a specific software program or algorithm. The main role of this technology is to identify the position and direction of a specific sensor in terms of its surroundings. At the same time, it helps to map the environment around this sensor.
How does it work?
In most of these systems, successive camera frames are used to track set points. The idea is to triangulate your three-dimensional position. At the same time, this information is used to obtain an approximation of the camera’s pose. Mainly, these systems are used to map your environment with respect to the things around you for better navigation.
Typically 3D vision cameras are used for this purpose, unlike other SLAM technologies. If there are enough track points in each frame, it is possible to understand the structure of the physical environment and the orientation of the sensor.
Application types
Although visual SLAM is yet to be developed, it has a lot of potential in different environments. But it is important to note that it plays a huge role in the world of augmented reality. For accurate projection of virtual images, precision mapping of the physical environment is required. And this is only possible with the help of visual SLAM technology.
Today, this technology is used in different field robots, such as moneylenders and thieves. Interestingly, this technology is used in Land Rovers that were sent to Mars for exploration and navigation.
Apart from this, they are used in the field of agriculture. Field robots and drones use this technology to fly over farm fields. Additionally, autonomous vehicles can use these systems to map and understand their environment.
Visual SLAM systems are capable of replacing GPS tracking navigation in some industries. The problem with GPS systems is that they are not that useful indoors. Also, they are not that accurate. With the help of SLAM, these deficiencies can be eliminated. The reason is that these systems depend on satellites.
The point is that this technology can be implemented in many fields. This is the reason why the demand for these systems will continue to increase. Since this technology is used in many systems, many products, such as autonomous vehicles, will be available to the public in the future.
Simply put, this was an introduction to visual SLAM technology and various sectors where it can be successfully implemented.