Rapid path planning algorithm for mobile robot in dynamic environment

Abstract

Searching the lowest-cost path through a graph is central to many problems, including path planning for a mobile robot. By combining Dijkstra’s algorithm, A* algorithm, and rolling window principle, a new rapid path planning algorithm for a mobile robot in dynamic environment is proposed. First, Dijkstra’s algorithm is applied to find an initial path from the initial state to the goal. As a robot moves along the path, if a possible collision is predicted, a local optimal target state within the detection range of the sensors is selected using the rolling window principle. Then, an optimal path from the robot’s current location to this local target is searched through A* algorithm and a new path which leads the robot to move from current location to the goal is obtained. Compared to other algorithms, such as ant colony optimization algorithm, A* algorithm, and D* algorithm, the proposed algorithm can always find an optimal path during re-planning and at the meantime greatly reduce the re-planning time. The simulation results prove the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.