Mass Estimation-Based Path Tracking Control for Autonomous Commercial Vehicles

This paper addresses the significant variations in model parameters observed in autonomous commercial vehicles in comparison to passenger cars, with a disparity noted largely due to changes in load. Additionally, it tackles the issue of path tracking inaccuracy caused by external factors such as delays in steering system execution. The proposed solution is a hierarchical control method, grounded in mass estimation and model predictive control(MPC). Initially, to counter the variation in model parameters, a mass estimator is developed. This estimator utilizes the recursive least squares method with a forgetting factor, coupled with M-estimation, thereby enhancing the robustness of the estimation and achieving model correction. Subsequently, an upper-level MPC controller is constructed based on the error model, thereby augmenting the precision of tracking control. To address the delay in the steering system execution common in autonomous commercial vehicles, a lower-level steering angle compensator is designed to expedite the response speed of the execution. The feasibility of the vehicle's front wheel angle is constrained via the rollover index, thereby enhancing vehicle stability during operation. The efficacy of the proposed control strategy is demonstrated with joint simulations using TruckSim/Simulink and real vehicle tests. The results indicate that this strategy can effectively manage the model mismatch caused by load changes in commercial vehicles and the delay in steering system execution, thereby exhibiting commendable tracking accuracy, adaptability, and driving stability.