As technology continues to advance, the concept of autonomy is becoming more and more prevalent in our daily lives. From self-driving cars to automated machinery, the ability for devices to operate independently and make decisions based on their surroundings is both potentially dangerous, and exciting as it revolutionizes industries.  

One crucial factor that enables this level of autonomy, in a safe and reliable manner, is the accuracy of localization and positioning. In this blog, we discuss why localization and positioning are so important for autonomy and how they play a crucial role in the success of commercial autonomous vehicles and machinery. 

The Basics: What is Localization and Positioning? 

Localization and positioning, often used inter-changeably, are fundamental concepts in the world of autonomy.

In simple terms, localization refers to the process of determining the precise location of an object (in this case, a vehicle) in relation to its surroundings, while positioning refers to the ability to accurately determine the position of an object in three-dimensional space. Positioning is a part of a Localization System, as it is needed to reference an object’s position relative to other features in a map. 

For autonomous vehicles and machinery, localization and positioning play a critical role in enabling them to navigate and operate safely and effectively in their unique environment. Accurate localization allows vehicles to make lane changes, follow driving lanes, and navigate intersections with high accuracy. Without accurate localization and positioning, autonomous devices would struggle to make informed decisions based on their surroundings and would be at a higher risk of collisions or errors. 

There are various technologies and techniques used for localization and positioning. Just to name a few key players: GPS (Global Positioning System), IMUs (Inertial Measurement Units), LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), and computer vision. These technologies ideally work together to gather data on the vehicle’s location and surroundings, allowing it to make real-time adjustments and decisions. 

The Role of Accurate Localization in Autonomous Vehicles 

A safe and comfortable driving experience depends on an accurate and uniform understanding of a multitude of elements of the road. Interpreting lane markings and how to follow them, their semantic relations attributed to other objects like traffic lights, or the curvature and slopes of the road ensures accurate real-time decision-making of the vehicle, the proper path planning, and the comfortable execution of the drive.

How Precision Positioning Impacts Performance  

There are 2 key performance indicators on everyones mind with autonomous driving: safety and performance. Being able to localize accurately, of course, has a positive impact on both.

• Increases safety: When moving along the correct path, autonomous machinery can more effectively avoid obstacles, decreasing the risk of collision. Especially critical in scenarios where the machinery interacts with humans or other objects, such as robotaxis or shuttles. Precision positioning enables the machinery to make real-time adjustments and take appropriate measures to avoid accidents or injuries.
• Maximizes efficiency and productivity: By accurately determining the position of the machinery, it can perform tasks with reduced unnecessary movements and downtime, increasing productivity and cost-effectiveness. 

When precision is crucial, even the slightest error in positioning can have significant consequences. It ensures that the machinery operates exactly where intended. This is especially important in tasks that require finely controlled routes, such as seaport logistics or mining. 

Overcoming Challenges

This process is undeniably a significant challenge in the world of autonomy. While technology has advanced to enable devices to operate independently, there are still obstacles to overcome. 

One of the primary challenges is the availability and reliability of GPS signals.

While GPS is commonly used for positioning, it can be affected by signal interference, atmospheric conditions, and urban environments. These factors can introduce errors and inaccuracies in determining the device’s exact location. To address this challenge, alternative technologies and techniques are being developed and implemented, utilized in tandem.
For example, the use of sensors such as IMUs (Inertial Measurement Units) and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) can provide complementary data to improve accuracy.  

Another is addressing surface challenges by looking in another direction: underground.

Lidar, camera, and GPS can’t function amid poor visibility, blocked signals, or when lane markers aren’t clear. Ground Penetrating Radar is being utilized in technologies to enable precise positioning to overcome these challenges by mapping the character-rich and unique sub terrain.
This allows autonomous vehicles to position with data that remains stable over time and unobstructed. As a bonus, by using this protected landscape, the possibility for autonomous applications in diverse environments is also expanded. 

Finally, landscapes are constantly changing, with new obstacles, pedestrians, and road conditions appearing. Ensuring accurate localization and positioning in real-time requires sophisticated algorithms and robust data processing capabilities to adapt quickly to changes and make adjustments to the vehicle’s trajectory and operations. To overcome this challenge, machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies are being utilized.

These technologies enable devices to learn from past experiences and make predictions about future conditions. By continuously analyzing and updating their understanding of the environment, autonomous vehicles continue to not only ensure accuracy but innovate as well.  

Conclusion & GPR

To recap, localization refers to the process of determining and identifying the precise location of a vehicle in relation to its surroundings and features that matter. Accurate localization is indispensable for autonomous vehicles, enabling them to make informed decisions, calculate safe paths, and communicate effectively with others on the road.

By combining data from multiple sensors, such as GPR, GPS, LiDAR, and computer vision, devices can achieve even higher levels of precision in their localization. This sensor fusion approach allows for redundancy and cross-validation, reducing the likelihood of errors or inaccuracies. 

GPR’s Ground Positioning Radar takes a different approach to localization. Like traditional localization systems, GPR uses landmarks to provide the position of a vehicle relative to road features that matter. The difference is that GPR detects subterranean landmarks, data meters beneath the driving surface. Data that is resilient in adverse weather, GPS denied areas, or dynamic areas with frequent occlusions.

Learn more about how GPR’s system works here.