Implementation and Validation of the CautiousBug Algorithm in ROS Noetic

In this paper, we present an implementation of the CautiousBug algorithm within the Noetic distribution of the Robot Operating System (ROS). Bug algorithms address a challenge of robot navigation in unknown environments without relying on pre-existing maps or constructing new ones. These algorithms utilize odometry data, operate without a map, require minimal computational resources, and can be implemented on relatively simple hardware. A C++ software application was created to simulate a behavior of the CautiousBug algorithm in various environments within the Gazebo simulator. This application allows for an analysis of key metrics, including accumulated yaw, distance traversed and algorithm's runtime. We conducted a set of virtual experiments in the Gazebo to evaluate the CautiousBug performance.