Implementation of a self-developed model predictive control scheme for vehicle parking maneuvers

In this paper a self-developed controller algorithm is presented with the goal of handling a basic parking maneuver. One of the biggest challenges of autonomous vehicle control is the right calibration and finding the right vehicle models for the given conditions. As a result of many other research, model predictive control (MPC) structures have started to become the most promising control technique. During our work we implemented an MPC function from white paper. Considering the low-speed conditions of a parking maneuver we use a kinematic bicycle model as the basis of the controller. The algorithm has two main inputs: a planned trajectory and the vehicle state feedback signals. The controller is realized as a Simulink model, and it is integrated into a complete autonomous control system using ROS framework. The results are validated through multiple steps: using Simulink only with a pure kinematic bicycle plant model; using LGSVL simulation framework containing a real vehicle model and the entire software chain; the controller is prepared for real vehicle tests.