Multi-Strategy Fusion Path Planning Algorithm for Autonomous Surface Vessels with Dynamic Obstacles

• Published in: Journal of marine science and engineering Vol. 13; no. 7; p. 1357
• Main Authors: Xie, Yongshun, Liu, Chengyong, He, Yixiong, Ma, Yong, Liu, Kang
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 01.07.2025
• Subjects: Algorithms; Angular velocity; autonomous surface vessels; Efficiency; fusion algorithm; Local planning; Methods; Motion control; Navigation; Obstacle avoidance; Optimization; Path planning; Path tracking; Planning; Smoothness; Stability; Surface craft; underactuated kinematic model
• DOI: 10.3390/jmse13071357
• ISSN: 2077-1312

Considering the complexity and variability inherent in maritime environments, path planning algorithms for navigation have consistently been a subject of intense research interest. Nonetheless, single-algorithm approaches often exhibit inherent limitations. Consequently, this study introduces a path planning algorithm for autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) that integrates an improved fast marching method (FMM) with the dynamic window approach (DWA) for underactuated ASVs. The enhanced FMM improves the overall optimality and safety of the determined path in comparison to the conventional approach. Concurrently, it effectively merges the local planning strengths of the DWA algorithm, addressing the safety re-planning needs of the global path when encountering dynamic obstacles, thus augmenting path tracking accuracy and navigational stability. The efficient hybrid algorithm yields notable improvements in the path planning success rate, obstacle avoidance efficacy, and path smoothness compared with the isolated employment of either FMM or DWA, demonstrating superiority and practical applicability in maritime scenarios. Through a comprehensive analysis of its control output, the proposed integrated algorithm accomplishes efficient obstacle avoidance via agile control of angular velocity while preserving navigational stability and achieves path optimization through consistent acceleration adjustments, thereby asserting its superiority and practical worth in challenging maritime environments.