A data-driven Sensor Model for LIDAR Range Measurements used for Mobile Robot Navigation

In this paper, an analysis of the precision of LIDAR range measurements is presented. LIDAR data from two different sensors (HLS-LFCD-LDS and SICK TIM561) were analyzed regarding the influence of range, incident angle to the surface, and material. Based on the results, a data-driven model for LIDAR precision behavior was developed, and a comparison with standard deviation models based on the vendor-provided specifications was presented. Our model can be used to create realistic sensor simulations and to develop robot navigation algorithms weighing sensor range readings based on the precision.