Optimization-Based Motion Planning & Control for Autonomous Driving in Dynamic Environments

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 1150

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Optimization-based motion planning and control techniques play a vital role in autonomous driving systems, especially in dynamic and unpredictable traffic environments. Efficient optimization methods enable autonomous vehicles to generate and execute safe, comfortable, and dynamically feasible trajectories, accounting for real-time obstacles, uncertain scenarios, and varying driving conditions. This Special Issue aims to publish state-of-the-art research addressing novel theories, algorithms, methodologies, and experimental validations of optimization-based planning and control approaches for autonomous driving.

We invite high-quality original research and review articles focusing on innovative solutions applicable to real-world autonomous driving scenarios. Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Online optimal path/trajectory planning and replanning;
  • Optimization-based motion control in dynamic environments;
  • Real-time model predictive control;
  • Robust optimization-based motion planning methods under uncertainty;
  • Machine learning-based trajectory optimization;
  • Safety-critical trajectory optimization;
  • Risk-aware/occlusion-aware trajectory optimization;
  • Global optimization of trajectory optimizers under uncertainty.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Bai Li
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • optimal motion planning
  • dynamic trajectory optimization
  • real-time motion control
  • path planning in dynamic environments
  • optimization-based autonomous driving
  • dynamic obstacle avoidance
  • cooperative trajectory optimization

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

35 pages, 6930 KB  
Article
A Slip-Based Model Predictive Control Approach for Trajectory Following of Unmanned Tracked Vehicles
by Ismail Gocer and Selahattin Caglar Baslamisli
Machines 2025, 13(9), 817; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines13090817 - 5 Sep 2025
Viewed by 246
Abstract
In the field of tracked vehicle dynamics, studies show that vertical loads are concentrated under road wheels on firm road conditions, allowing slip-based models of tracked vehicles to be designed similar to wheeled vehicle models. This paper proposes a slip-based nonlinear two-track prediction [...] Read more.
In the field of tracked vehicle dynamics, studies show that vertical loads are concentrated under road wheels on firm road conditions, allowing slip-based models of tracked vehicles to be designed similar to wheeled vehicle models. This paper proposes a slip-based nonlinear two-track prediction model for model predictive control (MPC), where track forces under road wheels are calculated with a simplification procedure implemented onto shear displacement theory. The study includes a comparative analysis with a kinematic prediction model, examining scenarios such as constant speed cornering and spiral maneuvers. Validation is carried out by comparing the simulation results of the proposed controller with field test data acquired from a five-wheeled tracked vehicle platform, including measurements on asphalt and stabilized road conditions. The results demonstrate that the slip-based model excels in trajectory tracking, with lateral deviations consistently below 0.25 m and typically around 0.02–0.08 m RMS depending on the scenario. By improving the computational efficiency and ensuring precise navigation, this approach offers an advanced control solution for tracked vehicles on firm terrain. Full article
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26 pages, 7095 KB  
Article
Collision Avoidance of Driving Robotic Vehicles Based on Model Predictive Control with Improved APF
by Lei Zhao, Hongda Liu and Wentie Niu
Machines 2025, 13(8), 696; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines13080696 - 6 Aug 2025
Viewed by 608
Abstract
To enhance road-testing safety for autonomous driving robotic vehicles (ADRVs), collision avoidance with sudden obstacles is essential during testing processes. This paper proposes an upper-level collision avoidance strategy integrating model predictive control (MPC) and improved artificial potential field (APF). The kinematic model of [...] Read more.
To enhance road-testing safety for autonomous driving robotic vehicles (ADRVs), collision avoidance with sudden obstacles is essential during testing processes. This paper proposes an upper-level collision avoidance strategy integrating model predictive control (MPC) and improved artificial potential field (APF). The kinematic model of the driving robot is established, and a vehicle dynamics model considering road curvature is used as the foundation for vehicle control. The improved APF constraints are constructed. The boundary constraint uses a three-circle vehicle shape suitable for roads with arbitrary curvatures. A unified obstacle potential field constraint is designed for static/dynamic obstacles to generate collision-free trajectories. An auxiliary attractive potential field is designed to ensure stable trajectory recovery after obstacle avoidance completion. A multi-objective MPC framework coupled with artificial potential fields is designed to achieve obstacle avoidance and trajectory tracking while ensuring accuracy, comfort, and environmental constraints. Results from Carsim-Simulink and semi-physical experiments validate that the proposed strategy effectively avoids various obstacles under different road conditions while maintaining reference trajectory tracking. Full article
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