Survey On Path Planning Paper
Survey On Path Planning Paper
Survey On Path Planning Paper
Abstract - This paper comprehensively surveys various path based algorithms: the Wavefront Algorithm and
planning and navigational algorithms, highlighting their Voronoi Diagrams, elucidating their mechanisms,
unique characteristics, applications, and limitations. The
applications, and limitations.
focus is on grid-based, graph-based, sampling-based,
dynamic programming, heuristic, AI and ML-based, fuzzy
logic and expert systems, hybrid, and bio-inspired 1. Wavefront Algorithm
algorithms, and a special mention of bug algorithms. Each The Wavefront Algorithm is a pathfinding method
category is examined for its method, efficiency, and renowned for its simplicity and effectiveness in
suitability in different scenarios. The paper aims to offer structured environments. This algorithm functions
insights into how these algorithms are integral to robotics,
by assigning numerical values to the cells in a grid,
autonomous navigation, and virtual environment mapping.
Comparative analysis and discussions on the adaptability
starting from the goal point. The value assigned to
and robustness of these algorithms, particularly in dynamic each cell represents its distance from the goal, with
and complex environments, supply valuable perspectives for the goal cell typically assigned the value of zero.
future technological advancements. This process creates a gradient or 'wavefront'
across the grid. The algorithm systematically
Introduction propagates these values outward from the goal,
Path planning and navigation algorithms are pivotal incrementally increasing them with each step away
in shaping the future of autonomous systems. This from the goal.
paper delves into the intricacies of various When navigating, a robot or agent starts at its
algorithms that form the backbone of such systems. initial position and moves toward adjacent cells
We begin by exploring the fundamental concepts with lower values, effectively following the
underlying path planning and navigation, laying a gradient toward the goal. This deterministic
foundation for understanding the complexities approach ensures that if a path exists, the algorithm
will find it. However, it's most effective in static
involved. We then address the significance of these
environments, as dynamic changes require
algorithms in diverse applications, ranging from recalculating the entire grid. The algorithm's
robotics to autonomous vehicle navigation. The memory consumption can also be considerable,
aim is to supply a detailed overview, emphasizing especially in large environments.
the critical role these algorithms play in decision-
making processes and their impact on the
effectiveness of autonomous systems. This
introduction sets the stage for a comprehensive
exploration of several types of algorithms, each
with its unique method and application. A type of
many-valued logic known as fuzzy logic deals with
approximations in reasoning as opposed to precise
and fixed inferences. Because exact and binary
logic can't always account for the complexity and
unpredictability of real-world surroundings, it's
especially helpful in robot path planning and
navigation. Fuzzy logic is used in robotics to make
Figure 1. Wavefront Algorithm
judgments based on inaccurate input, which
enables robots to navigate and plan routes in
dynamic and unpredictable settings. Robots can 2. Voronoi Diagrams
now handle ambiguity and vagueness because to
this technique, which makes navigation algorithms Voronoi Diagrams offer a different approach to
more fluid and adaptive. grid-based pathfinding. This method involves
Grid-Based Algorithm - Grid-based algorithms dividing a space into regions or cells, each
are fundamental in path planning and navigation, corresponding to a specific obstacle or point of
particularly in robotics and computer graphics. interest. The edges of these regions represent points
These algorithms discretize the navigation space that are equidistant from the nearest two obstacles,
into a manageable grid, which simplifies the forming what is known as Voronoi edges. These
process of finding paths and navigating around edges constitute paths that maximize the distance
obstacles. This section explores two primary grid- from the nearest obstacles, thereby enhancing
safety in navigation, particularly in scenarios where
collision avoidance is paramount. 1. Dijkstra Algorithm
Developed by Edsger W. Dijkstra in 1956,
Dijkstra's algorithm is a graph search algorithm that
solves the single-source shortest path problem for a
graph with non-negative edge weights. The
algorithm works by iteratively selecting the vertex
with the minimum distance from the source and
updating the distances of its adjacent vertices. It
employs a greedy approach and is often
implemented using priority queues, which can
significantly improve its efficiency. Dijkstra's
algorithm is renowned for its simplicity and
Figure 2. Voronoi Diagrams
effectiveness in many practical applications such as
GPS navigation and network routing.
In path planning, Voronoi Diagrams are
particularly advantageous in open spaces, where
they can effectively navigate around sparse
obstacles while maintaining a safe distance.
However, their utility diminishes in densely
populated areas with numerous obstacles, as the
diagrams become exceedingly complex and
computationally intensive. The computation of
Voronoi Diagrams can be challenging, particularly
in real-time applications or environments with Figure 3. Dijkstra's Algorithm
dynamic changes.
Dijkstra's algorithm begins at the chosen source
Comparing the Wavefront Algorithm and Voronoi node and examines the edges of its adjacent nodes.
Diagrams reveals distinct advantages and In the context of the provided graph, let's choose
limitations of each method. The Wavefront node A as the source. The algorithm initializes the
Algorithm's strength lies in its straightforward distance to the source node as 0 and all other nodes
implementation and reliability in static, structured as infinity. It then proceeds as follows:
environments. It is well-suited for indoor robotics • From node A, the algorithm considers its
navigation and simple game environments. On the
adjacent nodes B and C, with distances 4
other hand, Voronoi Diagrams excel in providing
safer paths in open spaces, making them ideal for and 5, respectively, and updates the
applications like autonomous vehicle navigation in shortest distance to these nodes.
less cluttered environments. • Next, the algorithm selects the node with
Both algorithms demonstrate the versatility and the smallest tentative distance from the
adaptability of grid-based pathfinding methods. source, which is node B in this case, and
They underscore the importance of context in examines its neighbors. It updates the
choosing the most appropriate algorithm for a distance to node D to 13 (4 from A to B
given task. Understanding these algorithms' plus 9 from B to D).
underlying principles, applications, and limitations • The algorithm then moves to the next
enables more informed decision-making in the
closest node, which is C, and updates the
design and implementation of pathfinding and
distance to its neighbor E to 8 (5 from A to
navigation systems.
C plus 3 from C to E).
Graph-Based Algorithm - Graph-based • This process continues, selecting the node
algorithms are fundamental in the field of computer with the smallest known distance at each
science, particularly in solving problems related to step and updating the distances to its
networks and pathfinding. Among these, the neighbors by adding the weight of the
Dijkstra and Bellman-Ford algorithms stand out edge that connects them.
due to their unique approaches to finding the • If a shorter path to a node is discovered,
shortest paths in a graph. This section supplies an the algorithm replaces the previously
overview and comparison of these two algorithms, known distance with the new, shorter
highlighting their applicability and efficiency in distance.
various scenarios.
• The process repeats until the algorithm has has been found to every node, assuming
found the shortest path to all nodes or the there is no negative weight cycle. For
nodes reachable from the source node. instance, it will update the distance from
node 1 to node 4 through node 2 if the
In the final output, Dijkstra's algorithm provides path 1→2→4 offers a shorter route than
the shortest distance from the source node A to all the current known path.
other nodes in the graph. It also typically stores the • After V−1 iterations, the algorithm will
predecessors for each node, allowing the shortest perform one final check on all edges to
path to be reconstructed from the source node to detect any negative weight cycles. If the
any other node. distance to a node can still be reduced, it
2. Bellman-Ford Algorithm indicates a negative weight cycle exists.
The Bellman-Ford algorithm, on the other hand,
was developed by Richard Bellman and Lester For the given graph, the Bellman-Ford algorithm
Ford independently in 1958. This algorithm is will supply the shortest path from node 1 to all
designed to handle graphs with negative edge other nodes while checking for the feasibility of the
weights, thus offering a broader scope of solution in the presence of negative weight cycles.
application compared to Dijkstra's. It iteratively While both algorithms aim to find the shortest
relaxes edges and updates the cost of the shortest paths in a graph, they differ significantly in their
paths. A significant advantage of the Bellman-Ford operations and applications. Dijkstra's algorithm is
algorithm is its ability to detect negative cycles in a typically faster and more efficient for graphs with
graph, a feature that Dijkstra's algorithm lacks. non-negative weights. In contrast, the Bellman-
However, this comes at the cost of higher time Ford algorithm is more versatile and capable of
complexity. handling graphs with negative edge weights and
detecting negative cycles. The choice between
these algorithms depends largely on the graph's
characteristics and the specific requirements of the
problem at hand.
Sampling-Based Algorithm - In the realm of
robotic motion planning and pathfinding, sampling-
based algorithms have appeared as powerful tools
for navigating complex, high-dimensional spaces.
These algorithms circumvent the need for explicit
Figure 4. Bellman-Ford Algorithm computation of the configuration space by
randomly sampling the space. This section delves
into the nuances of Rapidly-exploring Random
The Bellman-Ford algorithm is adept at handling Trees (RRT), RRT*, and Probabilistic Roadmaps
graphs with negative weight edges and can even (PRM), elucidating their methodologies and
detect negative weight cycles. For the given graph, applications.
assuming node 1 is the source, the algorithm 1. Rapidly-exploring Random Trees (RRT)
proceeds as follows: RRT is a path-planning algorithm renowned for its
efficiency and simplicity. It constructs a space-
• The algorithm initializes the distance to filling tree that incrementally grows from the start
the source node (node 1) as 0 and all other state by randomly sampling points in the search
nodes as infinity. space and extending the tree towards them. The
• It then relaxes all the edges by updating algorithm's strength lies in its ability to quickly
the distance to the destination node if the explore uncharted spaces, making it suitable for
sum of the edge weight and the distance to environments where the path to the goal is not at
the source node is less than the currently once clear. Its probabilistic nature ensures that
known distance. For example, it checks given enough time, it can find a path if one exists,
the edge from node 1 to node 2 (weight 6), albeit without guarantees of optimality.
and node 1 to node 3 (weight 5), updating
the distances accordingly.
• The algorithm continues this process for
each edge, for a total of V−1 iterations,
where V is the number of vertices in the
graph. This ensures that the shortest path
optimization. As the tree grows, RRT*
continuously refines its branches to approach the
optimal path. This is achieved by considering not
only the nearest neighbor but also a set of nearby
vertices and choosing the parent that will result in
the lowest path cost. Over time, RRT* converges
towards an optimal solution, striking a balance
between exploration and exploitation.
Figure 5. Rapidly-exploring Random Trees (RRT)
Hybridization with probabilistic roadmap Part Assembly - Robotics part assembly tasks have
methods - Fuzzy systems are combined with led to the development of fuzzy logic techniques
PRM's stochastic path planning in the hybridization that concentrate on path planning in environments
of fuzzy logic with probabilistic roadmap methods with both static and dynamic impediments. Fuzzy
(FL-PRM) to address uncertainty in robotics minimal entropy, which evaluates variance and
navigation. In Nielsen and Kavraki's method, uncertainty during assembly, is one method that has
complicated path planning is broken down into improved decision-making under uncertainty. Other
more manageable point-to-point problems using a methods combine fuzzy logic and neural networks
fuzzy roadmap. These problems are then resolved (FL-NN). These techniques, which are supported
using fuzzy PRM planners. Experiments with by simulations and real-world trials using cutting-
robotic manipulators handling huge objects verify edge sensors, show how to execute tasks efficiently
this two-level system, which reduces collision in path planning, increasing the precision and
checks and boosts efficiency. By using this method, dependability of robotic manipulators throughout
robots in static situations can be more adaptable assembly processes.
and have more reliable path planning.
Pick and place/object grasping tasks - Hybrids of
Hybridization with rapidly-exploring random neural networks (NN) and fuzzy logic (FL)
trees - Fuzzy logic and the quickly developing increase the efficiency of manipulator robots in
random tree (RRT) technique are hybridized when pick-and-place and object-grasping tasks. To ensure
fuzzy systems are used to improve the RRT's accurate movements, these systems employ fuzzy
performance in static settings. Fuzzy logic, which logic to correct for flaws in inverse kinematics
is more adept than classical RRT in determining the calculations. By using sensors and making real-
closeness to barriers and probable collisions, can be time movement adjustments, they improve robots'
used to evaluate cost functions in a more nuanced capacity to recognize things and carry out
manner because to this fusion. The modified activities, such as picking tomatoes, demonstrating
method, called Transition-based RRT (T-RRT), the efficacy of FL in terms of robotic precision and
provides manipulator robots with a more advanced stability.
navigation solution in environments with stationary
obstacles by making the path-planning process Experimental results in papers
more flexible to the geometrical complexities of the
surroundings. Paper 1
Problem statement - The high dimensionality
Applications configuration space (C-space) challenge in
collision-free path planning for manipulator robots
Path Optimization - Path optimization is essential (CFPPMR) is the paper's stated problem. It entails
for achieving maximum energy and time economy developing a path planner algorithm that, while
in robotic manipulator systems. Fuzzy logic helps avoiding static and dynamic impediments, abiding
improve motion efficiency and kinematic model by mechanical limitations, and taking into account
refinement; nonetheless, rule quality plays a major potential joint failures, connects a robot's starting
role in path optimality. Hybrid approaches, such as location and orientation (Source) to a desired
fuzzy logic combined with evolutionary configuration (Target).
algorithms, have the potential to optimize energy
usage while accounting for stochastic parameters Results - The experimental findings demonstrate a
such as friction, especially in robots with limited mobile robot with ultrasonic sensors that uses a
degrees of freedom. minimum-risk strategy to navigate through
uncharted territory. The robot varies the impact of
Fault Tolerance - Fuzzy logic techniques are used goal-seeking (GS) and obstacle avoidance (OA)
in robotic fault tolerance to guarantee operational behaviors by adjusting its speed and trajectory in
continuity in the event of mechanical faults. These reaction to obstacles. One can exhibit effective
Figure 9. Simulation result for fuzzy logic integrated with path searching algorithm
Results
Figure 10. Simulation result (varied obstacle size) Figure 11. simulation result
The outcomes of the experiment verified that a Mobility-Assisted Localization in Wireless Sensor
mobile robot with ultrasonic sonars may Networks. Sensors 2017, 17,1904.
successfully navigate across an unknown https://doi.org/10.3390/s17081904
environment with local minimums when using the
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path planning in unknown environment," 2005
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detecting obstructions within three meters of its Cybernetics, Guangzhou, China, 2005, pp. 813-818
path and modifying its route accordingly. Vol. 2, doi: 10.1109/ICMLC.2005.1527055.
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Bellman–Ford algorithm for solving shortest path Dijkstra's Algorithm (April 10, 2013). Available at
problem of a network under a picture fuzzy SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2340905 or
environment. Complex Intell. Syst. 7, 2373–2381 http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2340905
(2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40747-021-00430-
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