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Enhanced trajectory tracking for autonomous vehicles using a nonlinear model predictive controller

Hicham Belkebir, Taoufik Belkebir

Abstract


This study investigates the application of advanced control and optimization techniques to improve the trajectory-tracking performance of autonomous vehicles. A nonlinear model predictive controller framework is utilized, incorporating a direct collocation method enhanced with multiple shooting techniques to address the challenges of nonlinear dynamics and constraints. The trajectory-tracking problem is formulated using the bicycle model. The reference path is generated by the Carla Simulator which provides realistic and varied test scenarios for evaluating the proposed approach. The problem is transformed into a nonlinear optimization task using the Julia modelling package and solved with an interior point algorithm to ensure computational efficiency and precision. The results demonstrate that the method achieves trajectory-tracking accuracy under 1 meter in the longitudinal direction and a control response time of fewer than 100 milliseconds, validating its capability to operate in real-time under dynamic conditions.


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URN: https://sloi.org/urn:sl:tjoee93334



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