Systems Engineering and Electronics ›› 2025, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (7): 2314-2328.doi: 10.12305/j.issn.1001-506X.2025.07.24

• Guidance, Navigation and Control • Previous Articles    

Improved A-star algorithm for dynamic path planning of unmanned ships

Xiaozhen YAN1,*, Xinyue ZHOU1, Qinghua LUO1,2   

  1. 1. School of Information Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Weihai), Weihai 264200, China
    2. Shandong Institute of Shipbuilding Technology, Weihai 264209, China
  • Received:2024-06-25 Online:2025-07-16 Published:2025-07-22
  • Contact: Xiaozhen YAN

Abstract:

In order to solve the problems of multiple turning points, poor path safety, and limited application of traditional A-star algorithms in dynamic environments in unmanned ship dynamic path planning, an improved A-star algorithm is proposed. Firstly, this method modifies the storage method of open-list and increases the direction of neighborhood search to flexibly adjust the direction of unmanned ships and improve their adaptability in dynamic environments. Secondly, by introducing a straight-line guidance function and a safety distance cost formula, the path planning process is effectively optimized to avoid unnecessary path detours and collision risks. Finally, by focusing on search methods, the oscillation and repeated motion of unmanned ship are reduced. The simulation results show that the improved A-star algorithm can avoid dynamic obstacles, and compared with other dynamic path planning algorithms, the improved A-star reduces path length by 4.88% and 0.09%, and smoothness by 37.32% and 23.17%. The improved algorithm can generate smoother and safer paths, suitable for dynamic path planning of unmanned ships.

Key words: path planning, unmanned ship, A-star algorithm, ocean cruise, dynamic path planning

CLC Number: 

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