Real-time detection performance of RTSP vs. USB cameras for UGVs

Abstract

Real-time object detection is critical for ensuring the operational safety of unmanned ground vehicles (U G V s) in industrial inspection and last mile delivery applications, yet the impact of camera interface selection remains poorly understood. This study presents the first systematic comparison of USB web cams versus network cameras for UGV perception systems, focusing on safety critical scenarios including emergency braking and obstacle avoidance. Our experimen-tal results demonstrate that USB-based systems consistently outperform networked alternatives, offering superior frame processing efficiency, enhanced navigation precision during avoidance maneuvers, and significantly improved operational stability in prolonged deployments. These advantages are a result of USB's direct hardware interfacing and predictable low latency characteristics. The outcomes conclusively establish that for UGV applications, directly connected USB cameras provide more reliable vision performance, enabling robust collision avoidance in dynamic environments while maintaining exceptional tracking consistency and system robustness. Additionally, the study highlights the significant reduction in detection latency and jitter, which are important for real-time decision-making in fast-paced, safety in critical operations.