Recently, Livox officially launched its Livox_autoware_driver autonomous driving software, which can be downloaded directly from GitHub (https://github.com/Livox-SDK/livox_autoware_driver). Now all Livox products are compatible with the Autoware platform.

 

As an autonomous driving open-source platform, Autoware.AI is the first All-in-One open-source software for autonomous driving technology. Widely recognized around the world, Autoware.AI runs on more than 30 different vehicle models from over 100 companies.

 

Livox developed its autonomous driving software Livox_autoware_driver based on Autoware and Livox_ros_driver. This software integrates Livox’s LiDAR driver Livox_ros_driver into the Autoware platform, allowing users to easily connect to Livox LiDAR in Autoware and perform time synchronization between multiple LiDAR devices. With connection to the LiDAR products, users can make use of the mapping, localization, detection and route planning functions by configuring different modules in Autoware based on the point cloud data scanned by Livox LiDAR. In addition, users can easily perform these functions based on recorded rosbag data simply by importing external references and selecting configuration files with Livox_autoware_driver.

 

The following example shows the entire relocation process with Livox_autoware_driver.

 

01. Experimental Hardware Configuration

• Portable carrier platform
• PC with Ubuntu 16.04 x 1
• Livox Horizon x 5, Livox Hub x 1, switch x 1, connecting cables

 

Preparation:

• Install and commission Livox_autoware_driver: Follow the instructions at https://github.com/Livox-SDK/livox_autoware_driver to install Livox_autoware_driver and complete connection and commissioning of the LiDAR.
• Prepare external reference files for the LiDAR devices to be used.
• Prepare point cloud maps in .pcd format (In this example, we use the ndt_mapping module of Autoware to create the map, as shown in the videos below).

Video 1: Generating Point Cloud Maps with the ndt_mapping Module of Autoware

 

02. Relocation with Livox_autoware_driver

By preloading the point cloud map, connecting to Livox lidar, and configuring the localization function in the software, Livox_autoware_driver can accurately locate itself when the vehicle is running.
 

Video 2: Relocation Configuration Process of Livox_autoware_driver

 

Video 3: Relocation Effect of Livox_autoware_driver

 

As shown in the videos above, the point clouds output by the five Livox Horizon are well synchronized and matched to the map to precisely locate the vehicle With the help of Livox_autoware_driver, Livox rotating mirror-type solid-state LiDAR can replace traditional mechanical radar via simple configuration and algorithm transplant, greatly improving the stability and reliability of intelligent driving solutions by means of low-cost switching. The compatibility of Livox datasets with Autoware will provide stable and reliable technical support for smart driving R&D institutions and enterprises. In addition to providing greater convenience for the smart driving industry, Livox will also be committed to provide datasets, open-source algorithms and improved platform compatibility. Focused on both hardware and software development, we will facilitate customer development to create a better smart driving ecosystem.