Investigation on the Optimization Strategy of DWA Algorithm for Path Planning of the USVs with the Consideration of Environmental Factors

Unmanned surface vessels (USVs) are generally subjected to wind force, wave and undercurrent action. Some unidentified objects such as underwater obstacles and submerged reefs should be monitored and evaded with converged communication, autonomous control and network system so as to achieve autonomous and automatic avoidance of danger and real-time control of flight path. Next, based on performing interference mechanics analysis on the USVs under the disturbance of wind force and wave on water surface, the relationship parameters between the bow angle, the deviation angle, safety evaluation function and the external force were obtained, and the comprehensive information of water surface environment was evaluated in combination with the dynamic window approach (DWA) algorithm. Further, the related model was established for simulation by using the simulation software MATLAB, and both reliability and stability of the modified DWA algorithm were designed and examined. Accordingly, the modified DWA algorithm can enhance the safety of the USVs in autonomous path planning and achieve rapid obstacle avoidance and autonomous path planning of the USVs. Our simulation revealed that the modified DWA algorithm can safely and rapidly correct the bow angle and the deviation angle, optimize the path trajectory and reduce the risk of roll-over of the USVs under sudden external force.