Advances in Autonomous Vehicles Dynamics and Control

A special issue of Machines (ISSN 2075-1702). This special issue belongs to the section "Vehicle Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2025 | Viewed by 12006

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China
Interests: nonlinear and adaptive control for intelligent vehicles and mobile robots; distributed control for multi-agent system; unmanned and manned lunar exploration rover
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Department of Electromechanical Engineering, University of Macau, Macau, China
Interests: intelligent control; dynamics and control; mechanism and machine theory; autonomous system; fault tolerant control; artificial intelligence with engineering applications; machine learning methods; signal processing; intelligent transportation; system modeling and identification
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
Interests: distributed control; robotic path planning; multi-agent systems; distributed learning
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Autonomous vehicles present a promising solution to many of the challenges faced by the transportation industry, including reducing the number of accidents caused by human error, improving traffic flow, and increasing fuel efficiency. However, to fully realize the potential of this technology, significant technical challenges must be overcome. One of the key challenges is the development of robust and reliable control algorithms that can ensure the safe and smooth operation of autonomous vehicles in a wide range of driving scenarios, including complex urban and highway environments. Furthermore, the highly complex non-linear vehicle dynamics bring significant difficulties in the development of control systems.

This Special Issue seeks to bring together the latest research and developments in the field of autonomous vehicle dynamics and control. We invite submissions that address a broad range of topics related to this field, including advanced control system designs, dynamics modeling and simulation, and machine learning approaches. Specifically, topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Dynamics modeling and real-world implementation of autonomous vehicle control systems;
  • Energy-efficient control and optimization for autonomous vehicles;
  • Advanced control system designs for precise control and maneuvering of autonomous vehicles in complex driving scenarios;
  • Data-driven approaches to vehicle dynamics modeling and simulation;
  • Cooperative and coordinated control of multiple autonomous vehicles;
  • Applications of autonomous vehicles in transportation, warehouses, construction, manufacturing and space exploration, etc.

Dr. Zhongchao Liang
Dr. Jing Zhao
Dr. Zhongguo Li
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Machines is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • autonomous vehicles
  • advanced non-linear control
  • dynamics modeling
  • machine learning

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

35 pages, 15934 KiB  
Article
A Biochemistry-Inspired Algorithm for Path Planning in Unmanned Ground Vehicles
by Eman Almoaili and Heba Kurdi
Machines 2024, 12(12), 853; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines12120853 - 26 Nov 2024
Viewed by 214
Abstract
Unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) have gained significant attention due to their extensive applications in both military and civilian sectors. For effective UGV deployment, path planning algorithms must prioritize computational efficiency, solution reliability, and runtime performance while maintaining path quality. Autonomous path planning remains [...] Read more.
Unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) have gained significant attention due to their extensive applications in both military and civilian sectors. For effective UGV deployment, path planning algorithms must prioritize computational efficiency, solution reliability, and runtime performance while maintaining path quality. Autonomous path planning remains a critical challenge in UGV navigation, as conventional methods, while effective, often suffer from considerable computational overhead. To address this issue, we propose a novel biochemistry-inspired path planning algorithm designed specifically for static grid-based scenarios. MetaPath demonstrates remarkable computational efficiency while maintaining solution quality across different obstacle densities in benchmark environments. Specifically, the algorithm achieves path lengths within ±5% of all benchmark algorithms while dramatically reducing the exploration space, visiting up to 10% of the cells explored by conventional approaches such as A*. This superior efficiency translates into exceptional runtime performance, executing up to 3000 times faster than bio-inspired algorithms like Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) and the Genetic Algorithm (GA), performing nearly three times faster than the widely used A* algorithm, and maintaining competitive performance with efficient algorithms like Breadth-First Search (BFS) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), thereby establishing the algorithm as a highly efficient pathfinding solution. Most notably, MetaPath introduces a novel approach as the first chemistry-inspired pathfinding algorithm, guaranteeing path discovery when one exists within reasonable computational time, a crucial advantage over some benchmark algorithms that may fail to converge or require excessive computational resources in complex scenarios. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Autonomous Vehicles Dynamics and Control)
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16 pages, 2555 KiB  
Article
Design of a Path-Tracking Controller with an Adaptive Preview Distance Scheme for Autonomous Vehicles
by Manbok Park and Seongjin Yim
Machines 2024, 12(11), 764; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines12110764 - 30 Oct 2024
Viewed by 453
Abstract
This paper presents a method to design a path-tracking controller with an adaptive preview distance scheme for autonomous vehicles. Generally, the performance of a path-tracking controller depends on tire–road friction and is severely deteriorated on low-friction roads. To cope with the problem, it [...] Read more.
This paper presents a method to design a path-tracking controller with an adaptive preview distance scheme for autonomous vehicles. Generally, the performance of a path-tracking controller depends on tire–road friction and is severely deteriorated on low-friction roads. To cope with the problem, it is necessary to design a path-tracking controller that is robust against variations in tire–road friction. In this paper, a preview function is introduced into the state-space model built for better path-tracking performance. With the preview function, an adaptive preview distance scheme is proposed to adaptively adjust the preview distance according to the variations in tire–road friction. Front-wheel steering (FWS) and four-wheel steering (4WS) are adopted as actuators for path tracking. With the state-space model, a linear quadratic regulator (LQR) is adopted as a controller design methodology. In the adaptive preview distance scheme, the best preview distance is obtained from simulation for several tire–road friction conditions. Curve fitting with an exponential function is applied to those preview distances with respect to the tire–road friction. To verify the performance of the adaptive preview distance scheme under variations in tire–road friction, a simulation is conducted on vehicle simulation software. From the simulation results, it was shown that the path-tracking controller with an adaptive preview distance scheme presented in this paper was effective for path tracking against variations in tire–road friction in the peak’s center offset, and the settling delays were reduced by 60% and 23%, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Autonomous Vehicles Dynamics and Control)
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24 pages, 6900 KiB  
Article
Advanced State Estimation for Multi-Articulated Virtual Track Trains: A Fusion Approach
by Zhenggang Lu, Zehan Wang and Xianguang Luo
Machines 2024, 12(8), 565; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines12080565 - 17 Aug 2024
Viewed by 776
Abstract
The Virtual Track Train (VTT) represents an innovative urban public transportation system that combines tire-based running gears with rail transit management. Effective control of such a system necessitates precise state estimation, a task rendered complex by the multi-articulated nature of the vehicles. This [...] Read more.
The Virtual Track Train (VTT) represents an innovative urban public transportation system that combines tire-based running gears with rail transit management. Effective control of such a system necessitates precise state estimation, a task rendered complex by the multi-articulated nature of the vehicles. This study addresses the challenge by focusing on state estimation for the first unit under significant interference, introducing a fusion state estimation strategy utilizing Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) and Interacting Multiple Model (IMM) techniques. First, a joint model for the first unit is established, comprising the dynamics model as the main model and a residual model constructed based on GPR to accommodate the main model’s error. The proposed fusion strategy comprises two components: a kinematic model-based method for handling transient and high-acceleration phases, and a joint-model-based method suitable for near-steady-state and low-acceleration conditions. The IMM method is employed to integrate these two approaches. Subsequent units’ states are computed from the first unit’s state, articulation angles, and yaw rates’ filtered data. Validation through hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation demonstrates the strategy’s efficacy, achieving high accuracy with an average lateral speed estimation error below 0.02 m/s and a maximum error not exceeding 0.22 m/s. Additionally, the impact on VTT control performance after incorporating state estimation is minimal, with a reduction of only 3–6%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Autonomous Vehicles Dynamics and Control)
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25 pages, 6740 KiB  
Article
Design of Active Posture Controller for Trailing-Arm Vehicle: Improving Path-Following and Handling Stability
by Zheng Pan, Boyuan Li, Shiyu Zhou, Shaoxun Liu, Shouyuan Chen and Rongrong Wang
Machines 2024, 12(7), 493; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines12070493 - 22 Jul 2024
Viewed by 731
Abstract
To address the question of which posture trailing-arm vehicles (TAVs) should be adopted while driving, this study introduces an innovative active posture controller (APC) to improve both path-following and handling stability performance. Leveraging a nonlinear tire model that considers corner load variation and [...] Read more.
To address the question of which posture trailing-arm vehicles (TAVs) should be adopted while driving, this study introduces an innovative active posture controller (APC) to improve both path-following and handling stability performance. Leveraging a nonlinear tire model that considers corner load variation and wheel camber, alongside the kinematics and double-track model of TAVs, the impact of vehicle body posture on handling performance has been investigated. To fully utilize the four-wheel independent drive and posture adjustable characteristics of the TAV mechanisms, an integrated nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) combining APC and tire forces distribution is devised. Through simulations conducted using Simulink-Multibody (2023a), the effectiveness of the proposed controller is demonstrated, particularly when compared to the scheme that does not account for the unique posture adjustment mechanisms of TAVs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Autonomous Vehicles Dynamics and Control)
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22 pages, 1068 KiB  
Article
Integrated Control of a Wheel–Track Hybrid Vehicle Based on Adaptive Model Predictive Control
by Boyuan Li, Zheng Pan, Junhua Liu, Shiyu Zhou, Shaoxun Liu, Shouyuan Chen and Rongrong Wang
Machines 2024, 12(7), 485; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines12070485 - 19 Jul 2024
Viewed by 772
Abstract
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 [...] Read more.
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. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Autonomous Vehicles Dynamics and Control)
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16 pages, 1642 KiB  
Article
Simulating and Modelling the Safety Impact of Connected and Autonomous Vehicles in Mixed Traffic: Platoon Size, Sensor Error, and Path Choice
by Alkis Papadoulis, Marianna Imprialou, Yuxiang Feng and Mohammed Quddus
Machines 2024, 12(6), 371; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines12060371 - 27 May 2024
Viewed by 930
Abstract
The lack of real-world data on Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs) has prompted researchers to rely on simulations to assess their societal impacts. However, few studies address the operational and technological challenges of integrating CAVs into existing transport systems. This paper introduces a [...] Read more.
The lack of real-world data on Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs) has prompted researchers to rely on simulations to assess their societal impacts. However, few studies address the operational and technological challenges of integrating CAVs into existing transport systems. This paper introduces a new CAV driving model featuring a constant time gap longitudinal control algorithm that accounts for sensor errors and platoon formations of varying sizes. Additionally, it develops a high-level route-based decision-making algorithm for CAV path choice. These algorithms were tested in a calibrated motorway corridor simulation, examining different market penetration rates, platoon sizes, and sensor error scenarios. Traffic conflicts were used as a primary safety performance indicator. The findings indicate that CAV sensors are generally adequate, but optimal platoon sizes vary with market penetration rates. To further explore factors influencing traffic conflicts, a hierarchical Bayesian negative binomial regression model was used. This model revealed that in addition to unobserved heterogeneity and spatial autocorrelation, the standard deviation of speeds between lanes and the CAV market penetration rate significantly affect conflict occurrences. These results corroborate the simulation outcomes, enhancing our understanding of CAV deployment impacts on traffic safety. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Autonomous Vehicles Dynamics and Control)
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17 pages, 3515 KiB  
Article
Adaptive Terminal Sliding Mode Trajectory Tracking Control for Autonomous Vehicles Considering Completely Unknown Parameters and Unknown Perturbation Conditions
by Chengyang Feng, Mingyu Shen, Zhongnan Wang, Hao Wu, Zenghui Liang and Zhongchao Liang
Machines 2024, 12(4), 237; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines12040237 - 5 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1294
Abstract
In the actual implementation of autonomous vehicle controller and related applications, it is difficult to obtain all the actual parameters of the vehicle. Considering factors such as uneven pavement and different pavement conditions, it is difficult to accurately establish the vehicle dynamic system [...] Read more.
In the actual implementation of autonomous vehicle controller and related applications, it is difficult to obtain all the actual parameters of the vehicle. Considering factors such as uneven pavement and different pavement conditions, it is difficult to accurately establish the vehicle dynamic system model. Based on the non-singular terminal sliding mode and adaptive control theory, this paper establishes a trajectory tracking control strategy for an autonomous vehicle with unknown parameters and unknown disturbances. Firstly, the complex trajectory tracking problem is decoupled from the position and heading angle tracking problem, and the preview error equation is established. Secondly, a non-singular terminal sliding mode (NTSM) controller is established to stabilize the trajectory tracking error to the origin in a finite time, and adaptive laws are proposed to estimate the unknown vehicle parameters to adapt to environmental changes. Through the CarSim–Matlab platform, typical working conditions are implemented to verify the proposed controller. Our experimental outcomes affirm that the NTSM controller effectively guarantees the autonomous vehicle’s accurate following of the reference path, ensuring smooth control inputs throughout the entire process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Autonomous Vehicles Dynamics and Control)
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21 pages, 10994 KiB  
Article
PID-Based Longitudinal Control of Platooning Trucks
by Aashish Shaju, Steve Southward and Mehdi Ahmadian
Machines 2023, 11(12), 1069; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines11121069 - 5 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1837
Abstract
This article focuses on the development and assessment of a PID-based computationally cost-efficient longitudinal control algorithm for platooning trucks. The study employs a linear controller with a nested architecture, wherein the inner loop regulates relative velocities while the outer loop governs inter-vehicle distances [...] Read more.
This article focuses on the development and assessment of a PID-based computationally cost-efficient longitudinal control algorithm for platooning trucks. The study employs a linear controller with a nested architecture, wherein the inner loop regulates relative velocities while the outer loop governs inter-vehicle distances within platoon vehicles. The design of the proposed PID controller entails a comprehensive focus on system identification, particularly emphasizing actuation dynamics. The simulation framework used in this study has been established through the integration of TruckSim® and Simulink®, resulting in a co-simulation environment. Simulink® serves as the platform for control action implementation, while TruckSim® simulates the vehicle’s dynamic behavior, thereby closely replicating real world conditions. The significant effort in fine-tuning the PID controller is described in detail, including the system identification of the linearized longitudinal dynamic model of the truck. The implementation is followed by an extensive series of simulation tests, systematically evaluating the controller’s performance, stability, and robustness. The results verify the effectiveness of the proposed controller in various leading truck operational scenarios. Furthermore, the controller’s robustness to large fluctuations in road grade and payload weight, which is commonly experienced in commercial vehicles, is evaluated. The simulation results indicate the controller’s ability to compensate for changes in both road grade and payload. Additionally, an initial assessment of the controller’s efficiency is conducted by comparing the commanded control efforts (total torque on wheels) along with the total fuel consumed. This initial analysis suggests that the controller exhibits minimal aggressive tendencies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Autonomous Vehicles Dynamics and Control)
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30 pages, 7567 KiB  
Article
Research on Lane-Change Decision and Planning in Multilane Expressway Scenarios for Autonomous Vehicles
by Chuanyin Tang, Lv Pan, Jifeng Xia and Shi Fan
Machines 2023, 11(8), 820; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines11080820 - 10 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1899
Abstract
Taking into account the issues faced by self-driving vehicles in multilane expressway scenarios, a lane-change decision planning framework that considers two adjacent lanes is proposed. Based on this framework, the lateral stability of an autonomous vehicle under near-limit conditions during lane change is [...] Read more.
Taking into account the issues faced by self-driving vehicles in multilane expressway scenarios, a lane-change decision planning framework that considers two adjacent lanes is proposed. Based on this framework, the lateral stability of an autonomous vehicle under near-limit conditions during lane change is studied by the phase-plane method. Firstly, a state-machine-based driving logic is designed and a decision method is proposed to design the lane-change intention based on the surrounding traffic information and to consider the influence of the motion state of other vehicles in the adjacent lanes on the self-driving vehicle. In order to realize adaptive cruising under the full working conditions of the vehicle, a safety distance model is established for different driving speeds and switching strategies for fixed-speed cruising, following driving, and emergency braking are developed. Secondly, for the trajectory planning problem, a lane-change trajectory based on a quintuple polynomial optimization method is proposed. Then, the vehicle lateral stability boundary is investigated; the stability boundary and rollover boundary are incorporated into the designed path-tracking controller to improve the tracking accuracy while enhancing the rollover prevention capability. Finally, a simulation analysis is carried out through a joint simulation platform; the simulation results show that the proposed method can ensure the driving safety of autonomous vehicles in a multilane scenario. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Autonomous Vehicles Dynamics and Control)
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16 pages, 7454 KiB  
Article
Stability Analysis of a Vehicle–Cargo Securing System for Autonomous Trucks Based on 6-SPS-Type Parallel Mechanisms
by Guosheng Zhang, Tao Wang, Han Wang, Shilei Wu and Zhongxi Shao
Machines 2023, 11(7), 745; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines11070745 - 15 Jul 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1525
Abstract
Stability prediction of the securing system for autonomous trucks is an important prerequisite for achieving safety monitoring of large cargo transportation and improving logistics efficiency. Considering the side slide risk of large cargo and the inability to predict stability using the existing under-constrained [...] Read more.
Stability prediction of the securing system for autonomous trucks is an important prerequisite for achieving safety monitoring of large cargo transportation and improving logistics efficiency. Considering the side slide risk of large cargo and the inability to predict stability using the existing under-constrained friction securing model, this paper proposes a new vehicle–cargo securing model based on the 6-SPS parallel mechanism. By establishing an analytical 3-DOF model, the dynamics performance of the vehicle–cargo system is analyzed based on the response solution under sinusoidal excitations. To verify the correctness of the analytical model, a multi-body dynamics model of the whole vehicle–cargo system based on the three-dimensional geometric model and the 6-SPS parallel mechanism is established for simulation in ADAMS. According to road class, pavement roughness is modeled by a white noise power spectrum method as the excitation in the simulation. The results show that the dynamics response of the analytical model accords well with that of the simulation model, with relative errors of 8.34% and 0.036% in amplitude and frequency, respectively. The proposed method can provide theoretical support for accurate stability prediction and for achieving safety monitoring of large cargo transportation for autonomous trucks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Autonomous Vehicles Dynamics and Control)
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