Multivariable decoupled longitudinal and lateral vehicle control: A model-free design

The newly introduced model-free control is applied to a multivariable decoupled longitudinal and lateral vehicle control. It combines two outputs (lateral and longitudinal motions) via two inputs (braking/traction wheel torques and steering angle). It yields driving maneuvers requiring a control coordination of steering angle, braking and traction torques, in order to ensure an accurate tracking in straight or curved trajectories. It is also robust with respect to modeling errors and parametric uncertainties, even during critical driving situations, where such a control is required. Convincing computer simulations are displayed with noisy real data from a laboratory vehicle, which were used as reference trajectories and acquired under high lateral accelerations.