Development of a real-time autonomous driving lateral control algorithm for an articulated bus using a model predictive control algorithm

In this paper, an autonomous driving lateral control algorithm is introduced for bus rapid transit (BRT, with an articulated bus). The control algorithm includes an integration of model predictive control (MPC) for lateral control and PID control algorithms for longitudinal control considering the vehicle properties. To verify the algorithm in real-time, a model-in-the-loop system was developed using TruckSim in NI Veristand and Matlab/Simulink in Micro-AutoBox. In TruckSim, a BRT plant model was verified using vehicle tests and then applied. In addition, GPS data from a BRT route were acquired from the vehicle test and applied to a TruckSim scenario. In the Matlab/Simulink, the autonomous driving lateral control algorithm for MPC was developed. To communicate between the plant model and the control algorithm in real-time, a controller area network (CAN) protocol was defined and applied like a real vehicle. Therefore, a real-time verification environment was prepared to test the real-time autonomous driving lateral control algorithm for BRT. By using the verification environment, the control algorithm was verified using the ISO-11270 standard. Although many efforts have been made to develop an autonomous driving control algorithm, autonomous driving of BRT is expected more tangible because the BRT has its own lane and speed limitation. Therefore, this paper will introduce about study of real time feasibility, adaptation of vehicle variables, and precise prediction model for MPC algorithm.