Using image augmentation with simulated objects for training machine learning models in autonomous driving applications

Abstract

In various examples, systems and methods are disclosed that preserve rich, detail-centric information from a real-world image by augmenting the real-world image with simulated objects to train a machine learning model to detect objects in an input image. The machine learning model may be trained, in deployment, to detect objects and determine bounding shapes to encapsulate detected objects. The machine learning model may further be trained to determine the type of road object encountered, calculate hazard ratings, and calculate confidence percentages. In deployment, detection of a road object, determination of a corresponding bounding shape, identification of road object type, and/or calculation of a hazard rating by the machine learning model may be used as an aid for determining next steps regarding the surrounding environment—e.g., navigating around the road debris, driving over the road debris, or coming to a complete stop—in a variety of autonomous machine applications.