Trajectory Generation for Wheeled Mobile Robots Via Bézier Polynomials

In this paper, a proposal for trajectory generation especially well-suited for wheeled mobile robots (WMRs) is presented. In this proposal (PVLAVPB) linear and angular velocities of the WMR are specified as Bézier polynomials. The PVLAVPB is able to generate smooth complex shapes, which would involve more complicated mathematical algorithms if other trajectory generation methods were used. Also, this proposal helps to avoid slipping and skidding of the WMR, since smooth starting and braking can be achieved proposing suitable linear and angular velocities. The generated trajectory is introduced in a hierarchical controller that solves the trajectory tracking task in a differential drive WMR. The experimental validation of the PVLAVPB is carried out via Matlab-Simulink along with a DS1104 board, obtaining satisfactory results.