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In this work, a novel single-level adaptive trajectory planner and tracking controller is developed for off-road autonomous vehicles operating on deformable terrains. Trajectory planning and tracking algorithms often rely on a simplified vehicle model to predict future vehicle states based upon control inputs, hence requiring accurate modeling and parameterization. On off-road deformable terrains this is a challenging task due to unknown terrain parameters and the complex interactions at tire-terrain interfaces, which pose issues in continuous differentiability, operating conditions, and computational time. To address these difficulties, in this paper, a neural network deformable terrain terramechanics model and its implementation within a terrain adaptive model predictive control algorithm is presented to improve vehicle safety and performance through more accurate prediction of the plant response. It is shown in simulations that the neural network is able to predict the lateral tire forces accurately and efficiently compared to the Soil Contact Model as a state-of-the-art model and is able to yield accurate bicycle model predictions. It is demonstrated that the implementation of the neural network within model predictive control can outperform both a baseline Pacejka-based and a rapidly exploring random tree controller by improving performance and allowing for more severe maneuvers to be completed that otherwise lead to failure when terrain deformations are not explicitly taken into account. The improved performance achieved through estimating terrain parameters online in an adaptive controller is highlighted against the nonadaptive realization. Finally, it is shown the algorithm is conducive to real-time implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a two-stage optimization framework for generating the optimal parking motion trajectory of autonomous ground vehicles. The motivation for the use of this multilayer optimization strategy relies on its enhanced convergence ability and computational efficiency in terms of finding optimal solutions under the constrained environment. In the first optimization stage, the designed optimizer applies an improved particle swarm optimization technique to produce a near-optimal parking movement. Subsequently, the motion trajectory obtained from the first stage is used to start the second optimization stage, where gradient-based techniques are applied. The established methodology is tested to explore the optimal parking maneuver for a car-like autonomous vehicle with the consideration of irregularly parked obstacles. Simulation results were produced and comparative studies were conducted for different mission cases. The obtained results not only confirm the effectiveness but also reveal the enhanced performance of the proposed optimization framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a nonlinear model predictive control (MPC) formulation for obstacle avoidance in high-speed, large-size autono-mous ground vehicles (AGVs) with high centre of gravity (CoG) that operate in unstructured environments, such as military vehicles. The term ‘unstructured’ in this context denotes that there are no lanes or traffic rules to follow. Existing MPC formulations for passenger vehicles in structured environments do not readily apply to this context. Thus, a new nonlinear MPC formulation is developed to navigate an AGV from its initial position to a target position at high-speed safely. First, a new cost function formulation is used that aims to find the shortest path to the target position, since no reference trajectory exists in unstructured environments. Second, a region partitioning approach is used in conjunction with a multi-phase optimal control formulation to accommodate the complicated forms the obstacle-free region can assume due to the presence of multiple obstacles in the prediction horizon in an unstructured environment. Third, the no-wheel-lift-off condition, which is the major dynamical safety concern for high-speed, high-CoG AGVs, is ensured by limiting the steering angle within a range obtained offline using a 14 degrees-of-freedom vehicle dynamics model. Thus, a safe, high-speed navigation is enabled in an unstructured environment. Simulations of an AGV approaching multiple obstacles are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a model predictive control-based obstacle avoidance algorithm for autonomous ground vehicles at high speed in unstructured environments. The novelty of the algorithm is its capability to control the vehicle to avoid obstacles at high speed taking into account dynamical safety constraints through a simultaneous optimization of reference speed and steering angle without a priori knowledge about the environment and without a reference trajectory to follow. Previous work in this specific context optimized only the steering command. In this paper, obstacles are detected using a planar light detection and ranging sensor. A multi-phase optimal control problem is then formulated to simultaneously optimize the reference speed and steering angle within the detection range. Vehicle acceleration capability as a function of speed, as well as stability and handling concerns such as preventing wheel lift-off, are included as constraints in the optimization problem, whereas the cost function is formulated to navigate the vehicle as quickly as possible with smooth control commands. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm is capable of safely exploiting the dynamic limits of the vehicle while navigating the vehicle through sensed obstacles of different sizes and numbers. It is also shown that the proposed variable speed formulation can significantly improve performance by allowing navigation of obstacle fields that would otherwise not be cleared with steering control alone. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper investigates the level of model fidelity needed in order for a model predictive control (MPC)-based obstacle avoidance algorithm to be able to safely and quickly avoid obstacles even when the vehicle is close to its dynamic limits. The context of this work is large autonomous ground vehicles that manoeuvre at high speed within unknown, unstructured, flat environments and have significant vehicle dynamics-related constraints. Five different representations of vehicle dynamics models are considered: four variations of the two degrees-of-freedom (DoF) representation as lower fidelity models and a fourteen DoF representation with combined-slip Magic Formula tyre model as a higher fidelity model. It is concluded that the two DoF representation that accounts for tyre nonlinearities and longitudinal load transfer is necessary for the MPC-based obstacle avoidance algorithm in order to operate the vehicle at its limits within an environment that includes large obstacles. For less challenging environments, however, the two DoF representation with linear tyre model and constant axle loads is sufficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the path-following control problem for four-wheel independently actuated autonomous ground vehicles through integrated control of active front-wheel steering and direct yaw-moment control. A modified composite nonlinear feedback strategy is proposed to improve the transient performance and eliminate the steady-state errors in path-following control considering the tire force saturations, in the presence of the time-varying road curvature for the desired path. Path following is achieved through vehicle lateral and yaw control, i.e., the lateral velocity and yaw rate are simultaneously controlled to track their respective desired values, where the desired yaw rate is generated according to the path-following demand. CarSim–Simulink joint simulation results indicate that the proposed controller can effectively improve the transient response performance, inhibit the overshoots, and eliminate the steady-state errors in path following within the tire force saturation limits. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]