Semi-supervised semantic labeling of adaptive cell decomposition maps in well-structured environments

We present a semi-supervised approach for semantic mapping, by introducing human knowledge after unsupervised place categorization has been combined with an adaptive cell decomposition of an occupancy map. Place categorization is based on clustering features extracted from raycasting in the occupancy map. The cell decomposition is provided by work we published previously, which is effective for the maps that could be abstracted by straight lines. Compared to related methods, our approach obviates the need for a low-level link between human knowledge and the perception and mapping sub-system, or the onerous preparation of training data for supervised learning. Application scenarios include intelligent warehouse robots which need a heightened awareness in order to operate with a higher degree of autonomy and flexibility, and integrate more fully with inventory management systems. The approach is shown to be robust and flexible with respect to different types of environments and sensor setups.