RADAR Modeling for Autonomous Vehicle Simulation Environment With Open-Source Utilities

Abstract

This research presents a RADAR modeling technique suitable for autonomous vehicle simulation environment using open source utilities. This study proposes to customize an onboard LiDAR model to the specification of a desired RADAR field of view, resolution, and range and then utilizes a density based clustering algorithm to generate the RADAR output on an open source graphical engine such as Unreal Engine (UE). High fidelity RADAR models have recently been developed for proprietary simulation platforms such as MATLAB under its automated driving toolbox. However, open source RADAR models for open source simulation platform such as UE are not available. This research focuses on developing a RADAR model on UE using blueprint visual scripting for off-road vehicles. This model offers the developers a base to build upon, and help them develop and test autonomous control algorithms requiring RADAR sensor data. Preliminary simulation results show promise for the proposed RADAR model.