Hybrid navigation (combining multiple technologies to complement each other's strengths

8. Composite navigation/Integrated navigation

Principle: Integrate two or more navigation technologies, usually with one as the main one and the others as supplements, to enhance the robustness, accuracy and adaptability of the system. Common combinations

Laser SLAM + QR code: Laser SLAM achieves global positioning and navigation, while QR codes are used for precise positioning and calibration of key points (such as stops and intersections), eliminating cumulative errors.

Laser reflector + inertial navigation: In areas where laser signals are briefly lost (such as under tall cargo), short-term flight position calculation is carried out using an IMU.

Visual SLAM + Laser /IMU: Vision provides primary positioning, laser provides precise distance, or IMU provides motion information assistance.

Advantages

Strongest robustness: When one method fails, the other can provide redundancy.

Highest precision: By integrating the advantages of different technologies, higher precision is achieved (especially at key points).

The widest adaptability: It can cover more complex and changeable environments.

Good flexibility: The optimal combination can be selected according to the scene requirements.

Disadvantages: The system has the highest complexity and the highest cost. It is necessary to handle multi-sensor fusion algorithms.

Selection suggestion

Pursue the lowest cost and simple path fixation: guide strips or magnetic strips/magnetic nails.

The ground should be free of traces and have high anti-interference performance: magnetic nails (surface) or electromagnetic guidance (in harsh environments).

High-precision docking is required and the path needs to be adjusted frequently: QR code navigation (it is better to combine it with other methods to eliminate cumulative errors).

Pursuing high precision, high flexibility and high speed, with a sufficient budget: Laser reflector navigation (currently the most mature and mainstream).

Pursuing zero environmental modification, rapid deployment, highly flexible paths, sufficient budget and stable environment: Natural Profile Laser SLAM.

Stable ambient lighting, rich features, and the need for additional visual functions: Visual navigation (SLAM or tagging) can be considered.

The highest reliability, the highest precision, and the ability to handle complex environments: Hybrid navigation (such as laser SLAM + QR code).