Tangent search method in time optimal problem for a wheeled mobile robot

Searching optimal trajectory of motion is a complex problem that is investigated in many research studies. Most of the studies investigate methods that are applicable to such a problem in general, regardless of the model of the object. With such general approach, only numerical solution can be found. However, in some cases it is possible to find an optimal trajectory in a closed form. Current article considers a time optimal problem with state limitations for a wheeled mobile differential robot that moves on a horizontal plane. The mathematical model of motion is kinematic. The state constraints correspond to the obstacles on the plane defined as circles that need to be avoided during motion. The independent control inputs are the wheel speeds that are limited in absolute value. Such model is commonly used in problems where the transients are considered insignificant, for example, when controlling tracked or wheeled devices that move slowly, prioritizing traction power over speed. In the article it is shown that the optimal trajectory from the starting point to the finishing point in such kinematic approach is a sequence of straight segments of tangents to the obstacles and arcs of the circles that limit the obstacles. The geometrically shortest path between the start and the finish is also a sequence of straight lines and arcs, therefore the time-optimal trajectory corresponds to one of the local minima when searching for the shortest path. The article proposes a method of search for the time-optimal trajectory based on building a graph of possible trajectories, where the edges are the possible segments of the tajectory, and the vertices are the connections between them. The optimal path is sought using Dijkstra’s algorithm. The theoretical foundation of the method is given, and the results of computer investigation of the algorithm are provided.