Path planning and collision avoidance for autonomous surface vehicles I: a review

Autonomous surface vehicles are gaining increasing attention worldwide due to the potential benefits of improving safety and efficiency. This has raised the interest in developing methods for path planning that can reduce the risk of collisions, groundings, and stranding accidents at sea, as well as costs and time expenditure. In this paper, we review guidance, and more specifically, path planning algorithms of autonomous surface vehicles and their classification. In particular, we highlight vessel autonomy, regulatory framework, guidance, navigation and control components, advances in the industry, and previous reviews in the field. In addition, we analyse the terminology used in the literature and attempt to clarify ambiguities in commonly used terms related to path planning. Finally, we summarise and discuss our findings and highlight the potential need for new regulations for autonomous surface vehicles

MPC-Based mid-level collision avoidance for ASVs using nonlinear programming

In this paper, we present a mid-level collision avoidance algorithm for autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs) based on model predictive control (MPC) using nonlinear programming. The algorithm enables avoidance of both static and moving obstacles, and following of a desired nominal trajectory if there is no danger of collision. We compare two alternative objective functions, where one is a quadratic function and the other is a nonlinear function designed to produce maneuvers observable for other vessels in compliance with rule 8 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS). The algorithm is implemented in the CASADI framework and uses the IPOPT solver. The performance of the algorithm is evaluated through simulations which show promising results. Furthermore, the algorithm is considered computationally feasible to run in real time. This algorithm serves as a base algorithm for further development in order to ensure full COLREGS compliance

MPC-Based mid-level collision avoidance for asvs using nonlinear programming

In this paper, we present a mid-level collision avoidance algorithm for autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs) based on model predictive control (MPC) using nonlinear programming. The algorithm enables avoidance of both static and moving obstacles, and following of a desired nominal trajectory if there is no danger of collision. We compare two alternative objective functions, where one is a quadratic function and the other is a nonlinear function designed to produce maneuvers observable for other vessels in compliance with rule 8 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS). The algorithm is implemented in the CASADI framework and uses the IPOPT solver. The performance of the algorithm is evaluated through simulations which show promising results. Furthermore, the algorithm is considered computationally feasible to run in real time. This algorithm serves as a base algorithm for further development in order to ensure full COLREGS compliance