Introduction to Simultaneous Localization and Mapping

Simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) forms the core of the technology that supports mobile robots. With SLAM, when a robot is moving in an actual environment, real world information is imported to a computer on the robot via a sensor, and robot's physical location and a map of its surrounding environment of the robot are created. SLAM is a major topic in mobile robot research. Although the information, supported by a mathematical description, is derived from a space in reality, it is formulated based on a probability theory when being handled. Therefore, this concept contributes not only to the research and development concerningmobile robots, but also to the training of mathematics and computer implementation, aimed mainly at position estimation and map creation for the mobile robots. This article focuses on the SLAM technology, including a brief overview of its history, insights from the author, and, finally, introduction of a specific example that the author was involved.