• Journal of Institute of Control, Robotics and Systems
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.58-69
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• 2014

This paper proposes a method for predicting maximum friction coefficients and optimal slip ratios as optimal control parameters for traction control or slip control of autonomous mobile robots on rough terrain. This paper focuses on strength of ground surface which indicates different characteristics depending on material types on surface. Strength of various material types can be estimated by Willoughby sinkage model and by a developed testbed which can measure forces, velocities, and displacements generated by wheel-terrain interaction. Estimated strength is collaborated on building improved Brixius model with friction-slip data from experiments with the testbed over sand and grass material. Improved Brixius model covers widespread material types in outdoor environments on predicting friction-slip characteristics depending on strength of ground surface. Thus, a prediction model for obtaining optimal control parameters is derived by partial differentiation of the improved Brixius model with respect to slip. This prediction model can be applied to autonomous mobile robots and finally gives secure maneuverability on rough terrain. Proposed method is verified by various experiments under similar conditions with the ones for real outdoor robots.

• Journal of Institute of Control, Robotics and Systems
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• v.18 no.10
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• pp.940-946
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• 2012

This paper proposes a method to predict maximum traction for unmanned robots on rough terrain in order to improve traversability. For a traction prediction, we use a friction-slip model based on modified Brixius model derived empirically in terramechanics which is a function of mobility number $B_n$ and slip ratio S. A friction-slip model includes characteristics of various rough terrains where robots are operated such as soil, sandy soil and grass-covered soil. Using a friction-slip model, we build a prediction model for terrain parameters on which we can know maximum static friction and optimal slip with respect to mobility number $B_n$. In this paper, Mobility number $B_n$ is estimated by modified Willoughby Sinkage model which is a function of sinkage z and slip ratio S. Therefore, if sinkage z and slip ratio are measured once by sensors such as a laser sensor and a velocity sensor, then mobility number $B_n$ is estimated and maximum traction is predicted through a prediction model for terrain parameters. Estimation results for maximum traction are shown on simulation using MATLAB. Prediction Performance for maximum traction of various terrains is evaluated as high accuracy by analyzing estimation errors.