Backward motion control of a mobile robot with n passive trailers

In this paper, it is shown how a robot with n passive trailers can be controlled in backward direction. When driving backward direction, a kinematic model of the system is represented highly nonlinear equations. The problem is formulated as a trajectory following problem, rather than control of independent generalized coordinates. Also, the state and input saturation problems are formulated as a trajectory generation problem. The trajectory is traced by a rear hinge point of the last trailer, and reference trajectories include line segments, circular shapes and rectangular turns. Experimental verifications were carried out with the PSR-2(public service robot $2^{nd}$ version) with three passive trailers. Experimental result showed that the backward motion control can be successfully carried out using the proposed control scheme.