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Hybrid wheel–track systems have found extensive applications due to the advantages a combination of wheels and tracks. However, the coupling influence between the wheeled and tracked mechanisms poses a challenge to stable and efficient controller design and implementation. This paper focuses on the lateral dynamic control of a vehicle in scenarios where both tracks and wheels are in contact with the ground. A dynamic model of a vehicle is first established based on the tire brush model and linearized general track model. Based on the dynamic model, a novel adaptive model predictive control (AMPC) method is designed considering the coupling and nonlinearity of the wheels and tracks to simultaneously regulate both mechanisms. Compared with traditional model predictive control approaches, the AMPC controller takes the side-slip angle and slip ratio as constraints to prevent the vehicle from reaching unstable states. Simulations are conducted to validate the effectiveness of the controller, and the results indicate that the controller has the capacity to optimize the objective's yaw-rate response while maintaining lateral vehicle stability and preventing slip by imposing constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of intelligent transportation technology has provided a significant impetus for autonomous driving technology. Currently, autonomous vehicles based on Model Predictive Control (MPC) employ motion control strategies based on sampling time, which fail to fully utilize the spatial information of obstacles. To address this issue, this paper proposes a dual-layer MPC vehicle collision-free trajectory tracking control strategy that integrates spatial kinematics and vehicle dynamics. To fully utilize the spatial information of obstacles, we designed a vehicle model based on spatial kinematics, enabling the upper-layer MPC to plan collision avoidance trajectories based on distance sampling. To improve the accuracy and safety of trajectory tracking, we designed an 8-degree-of-freedom vehicle dynamic model. This allows the lower-layer MPC to consider lateral stability and roll stability during trajectory tracking. In collision avoidance trajectory tracking experiments using three scenarios, compared to two advanced time-based algorithms, the trajectories planned by the proposed algorithm in this paper exhibited predictability. The proposed algorithm can initiate collision avoidance at predetermined positions and can avoid collisions in predetermined directions, with all state variables within safe ranges. In terms of time efficiency, it also outperformed the comparative algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite its excellent performance in path tracking control, the model predictive control (MPC) is limited by computational complexity in practical applications. The neural network control (NNC) is another attractive solution by learning the historical driving data to approximate optimal control law, but a concern is that the NNC lacks security guarantees when encountering new scenarios that it has never been trained on. Inspired by the prediction process of MPC, the deviation sequence neural network control (DS-NNC) separates the vehicle dynamic model from the approximation process and rebuilds the input of the neural network (NN). Taking full use of the deviation sequence architecture and the real-time vehicle dynamic model, the DS-NNC is expected to enhance the adaptability and the training efficiency of NN. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed controller is verified through simulations in Matlab/Simulink. The simulation results indicate that the proposed path tracking NN controller possesses adaptability and learning capabilities, enabling it to generate optimal control variables within a shorter computation time and handle variations in vehicle models and driving scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming to promote the control performance of traditional fixed-parameter model predictive control (MPC), a new longitudinal and lateral coupling path tracking control method for the autonomous vehicle is proposed. First, a dynamic model of the autonomous vehicle, which can describe the longitudinal and lateral motion states, is established. Secondly, both the tire side-slip angle and centroid side-slip angle constraints are introduced in the path tracking controller design, which improves the accuracy of the prediction model at high speed. Furthermore, the key parameters of the proposed path tracking controller are optimized. The simulation and experimental results show that compared with the traditional MPC tracking control method, the lateral error and directional error of the proposed optimized path tracking control method under high speed decrease by 19.17 % and 11.89 %, respectively, which improves the path tracking performance significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Braking control of urban rail vehicles with multiple carriages is critical to ensure the safe operation of urban rails. However, existing decentralized braking control methods lead to the inconsistent speed and excessive coupler force among carriages, which compromises the operation safety of urban rails. To address this issue, a cooperative braking strategy is proposed for urban rail vehicles based on Koopman model predictive control method. First, a cyber‐physical model is established, where the physical layer characterizes the dynamic model of multiple carriages using the Koopman operator. The cyber layer represents the communication topology of carriages with graph theory. Second, a cooperative braking controller is designed with the distributed model predictive control method. An optimisation problem is formulated to minimize the speed inconsistency and relative displacement difference among carriages. Third, extensive simulations under various scenarios, including normal and extreme operating conditions, are conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. Simulation results show that, compared with the classical decentralized method, the proposed braking method reduces the average relative displacement by 78% while reducing the speed error by 29%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the authors investigate the issue of constructing and incorporating an accurate vehicle dynamic model for model predictive control (MPC) with an application to autonomous vehicle path following. To achieve the desired performance, MPC employs a precise dynamic model. However, the uncertainty of complex systems and their operating environments presents a challenge to the development of an adequately accurate vehicle dynamic model. This paper proposes a Deep Gaussian Process Regression (DGPR) method to improve model precision. Meanwhile, the learning model is incorporated into a novel MPC framework to enhance closed‐loop performance. High‐fidelity simulations using CarSim‐MATLAB demonstrate the validity of the proposed approach in terms of enhancing the path following performance and lateral stability under the condition of large curvature at medium to high speeds on roads with different friction coefficients when compared to the nominal MPC approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the problem of path following and dynamic obstacle avoidance for an underwater biomimetic vehicle-manipulator system (UBVMS). Firstly, the general kinematic and dynamic models of underwater vehicles are presented; then, a nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) scheme is employed to track a reference path and collision avoidance simultaneously. Moreover, to minimize the tracking error and for a higher degree of robustness, improved extended state observers are used to estimate model uncertainties and disturbances to be fed into the NMPC prediction model. On top of this, the proposed method also considers the uncertainty of the state estimator, while combining a priori estimation of the Kalman filter to reasonably predict the position of dynamic obstacles during short periods. Finally, simulations and experimental results are carried out to assess the validity of the proposed method in case of disturbances and constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the path following performance and solve the stability problems of autonomous distributed drive electric buses, this paper proposed a path following and lateral-yaw-roll stability integrated control method. Firstly, to cope with the varying speed during different maneuvers and roll motion of autonomous distributed drive electric buses, a nonlinear 4-DOF vehicle dynamic model which includes rolling and longitudinal movement is established. Secondly, a hierarchical control method is built, in the upper layer, a model predictive controller (MPC) is designed to generate the control inputs, which is obtained through an optimization problem including path following error and vehicle stability condition, especially the roll stability for buses, and for the lower layer, the torque of each drive wheel is distributed through solving an optimization problem about drive requirement and tire utilization. Finally, the validation of the proposed method is carried out through TruckSim-Simulink co-simulation, the results illustrate that both following accuracy and vehicle stability are obtained more effectively than the popular linear MPC method, especially roll stability is guaranteed under extreme condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Dynamic model of the tracked vehicle considered this type of forces which is traction, hydrodynamic, centrifugal, lateral friction, longitudinal resistive, bulldozing, and compaction force. • Path tracking is vital in autonomous vehicles since it is designed to deliver appropriate steering, throttle, and brake input to control the vehicle's direction and speed along a predefined path. • Model Predictive Control (MPC) may handle system limits and future predictions. • The objective of a path tracking controller is to eliminate any variation in vehicle direction from the specified path. This paper provides a review of path tracking strategies used in autonomous vehicle control design. Several elements of modelling process and path tracking control are examined, including the vehicle model implemented, the path tracking control algorithms used, and the criteria for evaluating the controller's performance. Path tracking control is classified into several forms based on its methodology and linearity. Vehicle models are grouped into numerous types based on the linearity and the intended behaviour to be observed. This study explores each of these strategy in terms of the applicability and disadvantages/advantages. The main challenges in the field of path tracking control are defined and future research directions are offered based on the critical reviews. Based on the entire review, a model-based controller based on a linear vehicle model and assessed with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) is suggested. This review is aimed to serve as a starting point for determining which controllers to use in path tracking control development for an autonomous tracked vehicle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In complex driving scenarios, automated vehicles should behave reasonably and respond adaptively with high computational efficiency. In this paper, a computational efficient motion planning method is proposed, which considers traffic interaction and accelerates calculation. Firstly, the behavior is decided by connecting the points on the unequally divided road segments and lane centerlines, which simplifies the decision-making process in both space and time span. Secondly, as the dynamic vehicle model with changeable longitudinal velocity is considered in the trajectory generation module, the C/GMRES algorithm is used to accelerate the calculation of trajectory generation and realize on-line solving in nonlinear model predictive control. Meanwhile, the motion of other traffic participants is more accurately predicted based on the driver's intention and kinematics vehicle model, which enables the host vehicle to obtain a more reasonable behavior and trajectory. The simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper is concerned with the wayset-based guidance of underactuated multirotor aerial vehicles (MAVs). A hierarchical guidance and control structure is first established, in which the guidance is realized as a supervisory loop. The lower-level stabilizing attitude and position control laws are assumed to be available. On the other hand, the outer-loop guidance is designed based on a fixed-horizon tube-based robust model predictive control (MPC), which conducts the MAV to visit a given sequence of waysets, without violating their state and control bounds, and allowing the vehicle to rest in each wayset for a specified period. The MPC is designed using a reduced-order closed-loop dynamic model describing the vehicle's translation, which is derived considering the stabilizing position and attitude control laws and the assumption of a time-scale separation between the closed-loop translational and rotational dynamics. This model is put into a discrete-time linear state–space representation subject to additive bounded random disturbance and measurement noise. The properties of the proposed method, which includes the MPC recursive feasibility and robust stability as well as the overall guidance feasibility, are analytically studied. The method is also numerically evaluated using a realistic quadrotor dynamic model, showing its effectiveness and confirming its properties. • Wayset-based supervisory guidance loop for underactuated multirotor aerial vehicles. • Wayset transitions based on dual-mode tube-based robust model predictive control. • Proof of recursive feasibility, robust stability, and overall guidance resolvability. • Obtained performance and low computational burden encourage real-time implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A path following control strategy for a four-wheel-independent-drive electrical vehicle (4WID-EV) based on backstepping and model predictive control is presented, which can ensure the accuracy of path following and maintain vehicle stability simultaneously. Firstly, a 2-DOF vehicle dynamic model and a path following error model are built and the desired yaw rate is obtained through backstepping. Then, a model predictive controller is adopted to track the desired yaw rate and obtain the optimal front wheel steering and external yaw moment. Meanwhile, an optimal torque distribution algorithm is carried out to allocate it to each tire. Finally, the effectiveness and superiority of the strategy is validated via CarSim–Simulink joint simulation. Results show that the strategy has higher following accuracy, smaller sideslip angle, and better yaw rate tracking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a path-following and collision avoidance system for autonomous surface vehicles based on nonlinear model predictive control. The proposed strategy is capable of following a desired path while maintaining a commanded velocity, whereas it can diverge from the references to safely perform maneuvers to elude unexpected obstacles. A nonlinear dynamic model of the vehicle is applied to predict the vehicle states into a finite horizon. Furthermore, a LiDAR sensor located at the front of the boat is employed for local object detection. Here, the high-performance optimal control framework, acados, is used to solve the optimization problem onboard. Real-time numerical simulations and field experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach against multiple buoys. • An NMPC-based path-following and collision avoidance system for ASVs is proposed. • 3D LiDAR is applied to detect obstacles for evasion. • An efficient implementation is achieved using the optimal control framework, acados. • Simulations and physical experiments show the effectiveness of the approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]