Path planning for autonomous navigation of a driverless ground vehicle based on waypoints

This paper addresses an algorithm of path planning for autonomous driving of a ground vehicle in waypoint navigation. The proposed algorithm is flexible in utilization under a large GPS positioning error and generates collision-free multiple paths while pursuing minimum traveling time. An optimal path reduces inefficient steering by minimizing lateral changes in generated waypoints along a path. Simulation results compare the proposed algorithm with the A* algorithm by manipulation of the steering wheel and traveling time, and show that the proposed algorithm realizes real-time obstacle avoidance by quick processing of path generation, and minimum time traveling by producing paths with small lateral changes while overcoming the very irregular positioning error from the GPS. © ICROS 2014.