What are Fiducial Markers?!
Modern applications of industrial automation and robotics increasingly rely on image-processing techniques.
Fiducial, or fiduciary, markers are image-like objects designed to be easily detectable and usually contain interpretable information.
These markers are widely used in fields such as augmented reality, robotics, and medicine.
They provide significant advantages in performance, identification, and localization, offering a more cost-effective solution compared to other techniques used for path-planning in unknown environments.
Appications of Markers in Robotics
Fiducial markers in robotics are used for a variety of applications. They help robots determine their precise location within an environment by providing recognizable reference points, essential for accurate localization and mapping. These markers also aid in object detection and tracking, allowing robots to identify and interact with various objects precisely.
For path planning, fiducial markers assist in creating detailed maps of unknown environments, improving the robot's ability to navigate efficiently without collisions. In augmented reality (AR) applications, these markers help overlay virtual objects onto the real world, which is useful for tasks like assembly guidance and maintenance.
Additionally, fiducial markers are used for calibrating robotic systems, ensuring sensors and cameras are properly aligned for optimal performance. They also enhance human-robot interaction by providing visual cues that robots can interpret, making robots more responsive to human commands.
In industrial settings, fiducial markers guide robots during automated inspections of equipment and infrastructure, ensuring accurate and thorough assessments. In warehouse management, these markers help robots identify storage locations and navigate the warehouse efficiently, improving inventory management and operational efficiency.
Calibration
Calibrating the camera for detection of marker edges
Estimating the distance from the center of two markers to the edges of the marker on the robot
Angle measurement between 2 aruco Markers