735 research outputs found
AutonomROS: A ReconROS-based Autonomonous Driving Unit
Autonomous driving has become an important research area in recent years, and
the corresponding system creates an enormous demand for computations.
Heterogeneous computing platforms such as systems-on-chip that combine CPUs
with reprogrammable hardware offer both computational performance and
flexibility and are thus interesting targets for autonomous driving
architectures. The de-facto software architecture standard in robotics,
including autonomous driving systems, is ROS 2. ReconROS is a framework for
creating robotics applications that extends ROS 2 with the possibility of
mapping compute-intense functions to hardware.
This paper presents AutonomROS, an autonomous driving unit based on the
ReconROS framework. AutonomROS serves as a blueprint for a larger robotics
application developed with ReconROS and demonstrates its suitability and
extendability. The application integrates the ROS 2 package Navigation 2 with
custom-developed software and hardware-accelerated functions for point cloud
generation, obstacle detection, and lane detection. In addition, we detail a
new communication middleware for shared memory communication between software
and hardware functions. We evaluate AutonomROS and show the advantage of
hardware acceleration and the new communication middleware for improving
turnaround times, achievable frame rates, and, most importantly, reducing CPU
load
Cellular Automata Applications in Shortest Path Problem
Cellular Automata (CAs) are computational models that can capture the
essential features of systems in which global behavior emerges from the
collective effect of simple components, which interact locally. During the last
decades, CAs have been extensively used for mimicking several natural processes
and systems to find fine solutions in many complex hard to solve computer
science and engineering problems. Among them, the shortest path problem is one
of the most pronounced and highly studied problems that scientists have been
trying to tackle by using a plethora of methodologies and even unconventional
approaches. The proposed solutions are mainly justified by their ability to
provide a correct solution in a better time complexity than the renowned
Dijkstra's algorithm. Although there is a wide variety regarding the
algorithmic complexity of the algorithms suggested, spanning from simplistic
graph traversal algorithms to complex nature inspired and bio-mimicking
algorithms, in this chapter we focus on the successful application of CAs to
shortest path problem as found in various diverse disciplines like computer
science, swarm robotics, computer networks, decision science and biomimicking
of biological organisms' behaviour. In particular, an introduction on the first
CA-based algorithm tackling the shortest path problem is provided in detail.
After the short presentation of shortest path algorithms arriving from the
relaxization of the CAs principles, the application of the CA-based shortest
path definition on the coordinated motion of swarm robotics is also introduced.
Moreover, the CA based application of shortest path finding in computer
networks is presented in brief. Finally, a CA that models exactly the behavior
of a biological organism, namely the Physarum's behavior, finding the
minimum-length path between two points in a labyrinth is given.Comment: To appear in the book: Adamatzky, A (Ed.) Shortest path solvers. From
software to wetware. Springer, 201
Real-time multi-domain optimization controller for multi-motor electric vehicles using automotive-suitable methods and heterogeneous embedded platforms
Los capítulos 2,3 y 7 están sujetos a confidencialidad por el autor.
145 p.In this Thesis, an elaborate control solution combining Machine Learning and Soft Computing techniques has been developed, targeting a chal lenging vehicle dynamics application aiming to optimize the torque distribution across the wheels with four independent electric motors.The technological context that has motivated this research brings together potential -and challenges- from multiple dom ains: new automotive powertrain topologies with increased degrees of freedom and controllability, which can be approached with innovative Machine Learning algorithm concepts, being implementable by exploiting the computational capacity of modern heterogeneous embedded platforms and automated toolchains. The complex relations among these three domains that enable the potential for great enhancements, do contrast with the fourth domain in this context: challenging constraints brought by industrial aspects and safe ty regulations. The innovative control architecture that has been conce ived combines Neural Networks as Virtual Sensor for unmeasurable forces , with a multi-objective optimization function driven by Fuzzy Logic , which defines priorities basing on the real -time driving situation. The fundamental principle is to enhance vehicle dynamics by implementing a Torque Vectoring controller that prevents wheel slip using the inputs provided by the Neural Network. Complementary optimization objectives are effici ency, thermal stress and smoothness. Safety -critical concerns are addressed through architectural and functional measures.Two main phases can be identified across the activities and milestones achieved in this work. In a first phase, a baseline Torque Vectoring controller was implemented on an embedded platform and -benefiting from a seamless transition using Hardware-in -the -Loop - it was integrated into a real Motor -in -Wheel vehicle for race track tests. Having validated the concept, framework, methodology and models, a second simulation-based phase proceeds to develop the more sophisticated controller, targeting a more capable vehicle, leading to the final solution of this work. Besides, this concept was further evolved to support a joint research work which lead to outstanding FPGA and GPU based embedded implementations of Neural Networks. Ultimately, the different building blocks that compose this work have shown results that have met or exceeded the expectations, both on technical and conceptual level. The highly non-linear multi-variable (and multi-objective) control problem was tackled. Neural Network estimations are accurate, performance metrics in general -and vehicle dynamics and efficiency in particular- are clearly improved, Fuzzy Logic and optimization behave as expected, and efficient embedded implementation is shown to be viable. Consequently, the proposed control concept -and the surrounding solutions and enablers- have proven their qualities in what respects to functionality, performance, implementability and industry suitability.The most relevant contributions to be highlighted are firstly each of the algorithms and functions that are implemented in the controller solutions and , ultimately, the whole control concept itself with the architectural approaches it involves. Besides multiple enablers which are exploitable for future work have been provided, as well as an illustrative insight into the intricacies of a vivid technological context, showcasing how they can be harmonized. Furthermore, multiple international activities in both academic and professional contexts -which have provided enrichment as well as acknowledgement, for this work-, have led to several publications, two high-impact journal papers and collateral work products of diverse nature
Real-time multi-domain optimization controller for multi-motor electric vehicles using automotive-suitable methods and heterogeneous embedded platforms
Los capítulos 2,3 y 7 están sujetos a confidencialidad por el autor.
145 p.In this Thesis, an elaborate control solution combining Machine Learning and Soft Computing techniques has been developed, targeting a chal lenging vehicle dynamics application aiming to optimize the torque distribution across the wheels with four independent electric motors.The technological context that has motivated this research brings together potential -and challenges- from multiple dom ains: new automotive powertrain topologies with increased degrees of freedom and controllability, which can be approached with innovative Machine Learning algorithm concepts, being implementable by exploiting the computational capacity of modern heterogeneous embedded platforms and automated toolchains. The complex relations among these three domains that enable the potential for great enhancements, do contrast with the fourth domain in this context: challenging constraints brought by industrial aspects and safe ty regulations. The innovative control architecture that has been conce ived combines Neural Networks as Virtual Sensor for unmeasurable forces , with a multi-objective optimization function driven by Fuzzy Logic , which defines priorities basing on the real -time driving situation. The fundamental principle is to enhance vehicle dynamics by implementing a Torque Vectoring controller that prevents wheel slip using the inputs provided by the Neural Network. Complementary optimization objectives are effici ency, thermal stress and smoothness. Safety -critical concerns are addressed through architectural and functional measures.Two main phases can be identified across the activities and milestones achieved in this work. In a first phase, a baseline Torque Vectoring controller was implemented on an embedded platform and -benefiting from a seamless transition using Hardware-in -the -Loop - it was integrated into a real Motor -in -Wheel vehicle for race track tests. Having validated the concept, framework, methodology and models, a second simulation-based phase proceeds to develop the more sophisticated controller, targeting a more capable vehicle, leading to the final solution of this work. Besides, this concept was further evolved to support a joint research work which lead to outstanding FPGA and GPU based embedded implementations of Neural Networks. Ultimately, the different building blocks that compose this work have shown results that have met or exceeded the expectations, both on technical and conceptual level. The highly non-linear multi-variable (and multi-objective) control problem was tackled. Neural Network estimations are accurate, performance metrics in general -and vehicle dynamics and efficiency in particular- are clearly improved, Fuzzy Logic and optimization behave as expected, and efficient embedded implementation is shown to be viable. Consequently, the proposed control concept -and the surrounding solutions and enablers- have proven their qualities in what respects to functionality, performance, implementability and industry suitability.The most relevant contributions to be highlighted are firstly each of the algorithms and functions that are implemented in the controller solutions and , ultimately, the whole control concept itself with the architectural approaches it involves. Besides multiple enablers which are exploitable for future work have been provided, as well as an illustrative insight into the intricacies of a vivid technological context, showcasing how they can be harmonized. Furthermore, multiple international activities in both academic and professional contexts -which have provided enrichment as well as acknowledgement, for this work-, have led to several publications, two high-impact journal papers and collateral work products of diverse nature
Milestones in Autonomous Driving and Intelligent Vehicles Part \uppercase\expandafter{\romannumeral1}: Control, Computing System Design, Communication, HD Map, Testing, and Human Behaviors
Interest in autonomous driving (AD) and intelligent vehicles (IVs) is growing
at a rapid pace due to the convenience, safety, and economic benefits. Although
a number of surveys have reviewed research achievements in this field, they are
still limited in specific tasks and lack systematic summaries and research
directions in the future. Our work is divided into 3 independent articles and
the first part is a Survey of Surveys (SoS) for total technologies of AD and
IVs that involves the history, summarizes the milestones, and provides the
perspectives, ethics, and future research directions. This is the second part
(Part \uppercase\expandafter{\romannumeral1} for this technical survey) to
review the development of control, computing system design, communication, High
Definition map (HD map), testing, and human behaviors in IVs. In addition, the
third part (Part \uppercase\expandafter{\romannumeral2} for this technical
survey) is to review the perception and planning sections. The objective of
this paper is to involve all the sections of AD, summarize the latest technical
milestones, and guide abecedarians to quickly understand the development of AD
and IVs. Combining the SoS and Part \uppercase\expandafter{\romannumeral2}, we
anticipate that this work will bring novel and diverse insights to researchers
and abecedarians, and serve as a bridge between past and future.Comment: 18 pages, 4 figures, 3 table
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