Coordinated torque control for enhanced steering and stability of independently driven mobile robots

Purpose: Mobile robots with independent wheel control face challenges in steering precision, motion stability and robustness across various wheel and steering system types. This paper aims to propose a coordinated torque distribution control approach that compensates for tracking deviations using the longitudinal moment generated by active steering. Design/methodology/approach: Building upon a two-degree-of-freedom robot model, an adaptive robust controller is used to compute the total longitudinal moment, while the robot actuator is regulated based on the difference between autonomous steering and the longitudinal moment. An adaptive robust control scheme is developed to achieve accurate and stable generation of the desired total moment value. Furthermore, quadratic programming is used for torque allocation, optimizing maneuverability and tracking precision by considering the robot’s dynamic model, tire load rate and maximum motor torque output. Findings: Comparative evaluations with autonomous steering Ackermann speed control and the average torque method validate the superior performance of the proposed control strategy, demonstrating improved tracking accuracy and robot stability under diverse driving conditions. Research limitations/implications: When designing adaptive algorithms, using models with higher degrees of freedom can enhance accuracy. Furthermore, incorporating additional objective functions in moment distribution can be explored to enhance adaptability, particularly in extreme environments. Originality/value: By combining this method with the path-tracking algorithm, the robot’s structural path-tracking capabilities and ability to navigate a variety of difficult terrains can be optimized and improved.