A Proof-of-Concept Demonstration of Visual Teach and Repeat on a Quadrocopter Using an Altitude Sensor and a Monocular Camera

This paper applies an existing vision-based navigation algorithm to a micro aerial vehicle (MAV). The algorithm has previously been used for long-range navigation of ground robots based on on-board 3D vision sensors such as a stereo or Kinect cameras. A teach-and-repeat operational strategy enables a robot to autonomously repeat a manually taught route without relying on an external positioning system such as GPS. For MAVs we show that a monocular downward looking camera combined with an altitude sensor can be used as 3D vision sensor replacing other resource-expensive 3D vision solutions. The paper also includes a simple path tracking controller that uses feedback from the visual and inertial sensors to guide the vehicle along a straight and level path. Preliminary experimental results demonstrate reliable, accurate and fully autonomous flight of an 8-m-long (straight and level) route, which was taught with the quadrocopter fixed to a cart. Finally, we present the successful flight of a more complex, 16-m-long route.