Patent attributes
A method for covering a surface by a robotic device including: generating a two-dimensional map of a workspace using data from at least a depth measurement device positioned on the robotic device, dividing the two-dimensional map into a grid of cells, identifying the cells as free, occupied, or unknown, localizing the robotic device within the two-dimensional map, identifying at least one frontier within the map for exploration, generating a spanning tree such that a movement path of the robotic device includes a repetition of movement in a first direction along a straight line, 180 degree rotation over a distance perpendicular to the first direction, movement in a second direction opposite the first direction along a straight line, and 180 degree rotation over a distance perpendicular to the second direction, and recording the number of collisions incurred and the areas covered by the robotic device while executing the movement path.