OutdoorNav Software From Clearpath Robotics Designed to Speed Autonomous Vehicle Development

Clearpath Robotics Inc. today launched OutdoorNav, a software platform that it said provides GPS-based navigation for faster, more efficient autonomous vehicle development. The company said OutdoorNav is compatible with its outdoor mobile robots and third-party industrial vehicles.

“Robotics product development can often be a difficult, sometimes harrowing experience,” stated Bryan Webb, president of Clearpath Robotics. “Building a robust navigation system is expensive and risky, and it may prevent you from bringing your product to market in a timely fashion."

"We built and designed OutdoorNav to streamline your development of autonomous vehicles," he added. "You no longer need a full team of robotics navigation experts and months of prototyping to get your autonomous system into the field.”

OutdoorNav uses Web-based interface

Clearpath Robotics said OutdoorNav provides robust and reliable point-to-point, GPS-based autonomous navigation through a proprietary fusion of vehicle sensor data. When paired with compatible hardware, the software also supports built-in obstacle detection and avoidance, as well as continuous path planning, according to the company. This allows off-road vehicles to navigate autonomously between waypoints collision-free, it said.

Vehicle developers can interact with the software using a Web-based user interface or through a documented API. It allows developers to easily expand OutdoorNav's capabilities by integrating their custom ROS-based applications and graphical user interfaces. They can also connect third-party fleet management tools, said Clearpath.

Users can create, edit, monitor, and manage autonomous missions through the Web-based interface, the Kitchener, Ontario-based company said. They can visualize data from onboard sensors and view the vehicle’s live position on an interactive map, it added.

Customized tasks, such as capturing sensor data or imagery at specific locations, can be easily assigned at waypoints, asserted Clearpoint.

Platform supports teleoperations, maintains compatibility

In addition, OutdoorNav supports teleoperation mode, which allows users to command and control the vehicles remotely via cellular connection using a virtual joystick. Onboard sensor data from network cameras, lidar sensors, and other integrated components can be easily visualized in real time, Clearpath claimed.

The software is compatible with Clearpath's uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs), including its Jackal, Husky, and Warthog, as well as third-party vehicles with drive-by-wire control.

OutdoorNav is currently deployed in industrial applications in construction progress monitoring and remote facilities inspection, plus research into navigation for autonomous robots.

Clearpath announces developer partner program

Clearpath Robotics also announced a new partner program to give qualified robotics developers access to discounted OutdoorNav software licenses, robot hardware, sensor kits, and support.

The company said it will accept applications until Nov. 15 and announce partner selections on Dec. 15, 2022.

Clearpath Robotics supplies hardware, software, and services to enable self-driving vehicle research, development, deployment, and operation. The company works with more than 500 brands in over 40 countries, serving markets including materials handling, mining, military, agriculture, aerospace, and academia.