Multi-factor of path planning based on an ant colony optimization algorithm

Abstract

We propose an improved ant colony algorithm for avoiding obstacles in complex static environments that addresses the problems of a single evaluation factor and low path quality of the traditional ant colony algorithm in path planning. The improvements are: 1) a fuzzy planner is constructed according to the comprehensive evaluation method of fuzzy mathematics and the analytic hierarchy process to comprehensively evaluate and determine the impact of environmental factors, 2) the probability selection formula of the ant colony algorithm is optimized, 3) the pheromone update formula is optimized, and 4) the corner system mechanism is introduced as a post-processing method of path optimization to further smooth the path. Results from simulation experiments of the traditional ant colony algorithm were analysed and compared with those of the improved ant colony algorithm, showing that the latter has a stronger path planning ability and higher algorithm efficiency, resulting in a smoother path with a lower negative impact by environmental factors. Thus, the proposed algorithm is expected to provide a computational basis for effective multi-factor path planning in realistic environments, thereby saving human and material resources.