MPC-Based Dynamic Velocity Adaptation in Nonlinear Vehicle Systems: A Real-World Case Study

Technological advancements have positively impacted the automotive industry, leading to the development of autonomous cars, which aim to minimize human intervention during driving, and thus reduce the likelihood of human error and accidents. These cars are distinguished by their advanced driving systems and environmental benefits due to their integration of cutting-edge autonomous technology and electric powertrains. This combination of safety, efficiency, and sustainability positions autonomous vehicles as a transformational solution for modern transportation challenges. Optimizing vehicle speed is essential in the development of these vehicles, particularly in minimizing energy consumption. Thus, in this paper, a method to generate the maximum velocity profile of a vehicle on a real road, extracted using online mapping platforms while ensuring compliance with maximum legal speed limits, is proposed. A nonlinear model, closely aligned with real-world conditions, captures and describes vehicle dynamics. Further, a nonlinear model predictive control strategy is proposed for optimizing the vehicle’s performance and safety in dynamic driving conditions, yielding satisfactory results that demonstrate the effectiveness of the method.