Global path planning based on BIM and physics engine for UGVs in indoor environments

Abstract

This paper proposes a global path planning (GPP) system based on building information modeling (BIM) and physics engine for unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) operations in indoor environments. Firstly, UGV configuration is integrated into BIM as a knowledge base of GPP system by customized IFC structure, with which a multi-layer map generation method is proposed with improved logic and efficiency. Secondly, a UGV-centric A* path planning algorithm is designed by considering UGV's properties, including mobility-based primitive expansion, geometry-based collision checking, mobility-based cost setting, and mobility-based analytical expansion. Finally, a reliable trajectory generation method is developed based on physics engine, followed with a novel spatiotemporal coordination method for efficient collision avoidance. The whole GPP system is validated in a representative university building floor and a common inspection UGV. It is demonstrated that UGV-integrated BIM improves the resources interoperability for the whole system, and the map components are clarified clearly for efficient generation and maintenance. Besides, the UGV-centric A* performs a 100% success rate in congested environments where traditional A* always fail. It can even reduce almost 50% of the trajectory time and steering jerk in open scenarios than traditional A*, but still with an acceptable computation speed (less than 0.6 s). Finally, trajectory coordination saves 50% of path traveling time compared with the general queue method.