People detection using double layered multiple laser range finders by a companion robot

Successful detection and tracking of people is a basic requirement to achieve a robot symbiosis in people daily life. Specifically, a mobile robot designed to follow people needs to keep track of people position through time, for it defines the robot's position and trajectory. This work proposes a new method people detection and position estimation from a mobile robot by fusion of multiple Laser Range Finders arranged in two layers. Sensors facing opposite directions in a single row (layer) are combined to produce a 360° representation of robot's surroundings, then data from every layer is further fused to create a 3D model of people and from there their position. The main problem of our research is an autonomous mobile robot acting as member of a people group moving in public areas, simple but accurate people detection and tracking is an important requirement. We present experimental results of fusion steps and people detection in an indoor environment.