  A reliable odometry source is a prerequisite to enable complex autonomy
behaviour in next-generation robots operating in extreme environments. In this
work, we present a high-precision lidar odometry system to achieve robust and
real-time operation under challenging perceptual conditions. LOCUS (Lidar
Odometry for Consistent operation in Uncertain Settings), provides an accurate
multi-stage scan matching unit equipped with an health-aware sensor integration
module for seamless fusion of additional sensing modalities. We evaluate the
performance of the proposed system against state-of-the-art techniques in
perceptually challenging environments, and demonstrate top-class localization
accuracy along with substantial improvements in robustness to sensor failures.
We then demonstrate real-time performance of LOCUS on various types of robotic
mobility platforms involved in the autonomous exploration of the Satsop power
plant in Elma, WA where the proposed system was a key element of the CoSTAR
team's solution that won first place in the Urban Circuit of the DARPA
Subterranean Challenge.
