Team AnnieWAY's autonomous system for the 2007 DARPA Urban Challenge

TLDR

The paper presents AnnieWAY, an autonomous vehicle that successfully reached the finals of the 2007 DARPA Urban Challenge. AnnieWAY employs a laser scanner for 3‑D perception and reflectivity‑based lane detection, and a hierarchical state‑machine planner that follows California traffic laws. The vehicle’s performance in the competition is reported, demonstrating its capability to navigate urban environments. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Abstract

Abstract This paper reports on AnnieWAY, an autonomous vehicle that is capable of driving through urban scenarios and that successfully entered the finals of the 2007 DARPA Urban Challenge competition. After describing the main challenges imposed and the major hardware components, we outline the underlying software structure and focus on selected algorithms. Environmental perception mainly relies on a recent laser scanner that delivers both range and reflectivity measurements. Whereas range measurements are used to provide three‐dimensional scene geometry, measuring reflectivity allows for robust lane marker detection. Mission and maneuver planning is conducted using a hierarchical state machine that generates behavior in accordance with California traffic laws. We conclude with a report of the results achieved during the competition. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.