Mobile robot characterized by dynamic and kinematic equations and actuator dynamics: Trajectory tracking and related application

This paper establishes control strategies for wheeled mobile robots which are subjected to nonholonomic constraints. The mobile robot model includes the kinematic and dynamic equations of motion and the actuator dynamics. Using the notion of virtual vehicle and the concept of flatness, and applying the backstepping methodology the paper proposes control schemes for trajectory tracking for the considered augmented model of the mobile robot. The resulting controller ensures exponential convergence to a desired trajectory. Applications of the tracking controller for convoy-like vehicles governed by the augmented models are considered as well. Simulation results and lab experiments are demonstrated.

Research highlights► We established control strategies for WMR subjected to nonholonomic constraints. ► Model includes kinematic and dynamic equations of motion and the actuator dynamics. ► Using virtual vehicle and backstepping we propose trajectory tracking controller. ► Applications of the tracking controller for convoy-like vehicles are considered. ► Using tracking controller ensure tracking of a geometric path with a timing-law.