The Lord of the Ring Road: A Review and Evaluation of Autonomous Control Policies for Traffic in a Ring Road

This study focuses on the comprehensive investigation of stop-and-go waves appearing in closed-circuit ring road traffic wherein we evaluate various longitudinal dynamical models for vehicles. It is known that the behavior of human-driven vehicles, with other traffic elements such as density held constant, could stimulate stop-and-go waves, which do not dissipate on the circuit ring road. Stop-and-go waves can be dissipated by adding automated vehicles (AVs) to the ring. Thorough investigations of the performance of AV longitudinal control algorithms were carried out in Flow, which is an integrated platform for reinforcement learning on traffic control. Ten AV algorithms presented in the literature are evaluated. For each AV algorithm, experiments are carried out by varying distributions and penetration rates of AVs. Two different distributions of AVs are studied. For the first distribution scenario, AVs are placed consecutively. Penetration rates are varied from 1 AV (5%) to all AVs (100%). For the second distribution scenario, AVs are placed with even distribution of human-driven vehicles in between any two AVs. In this scenario, penetration rates are varied from 2 AVs (10%) to 11 AVs (50%). Multiple runs (10 runs) are simulated to average out the randomness in the results. From more than 3,000 simulation experiments, we investigated how AV algorithms perform differently with varying distributions and penetration rates while all AV algorithms remained fixed under all distributions and penetration rates. Time to stabilize, maximum headway, vehicle miles traveled, and fuel economy are used to evaluate their performance. Using these metrics, we find that the traffic condition improvement is not necessarily dependent on the distribution for most of the AV controllers, particularly when no cooperation among AVs is considered. Traffic condition is generally improved with a higher AV penetration rate with only one of the AV algorithms showing a contrary trend. Among all AV algorithms in this study, the reinforcement learning controller shows the most consistent improvement under all distributions and penetration rates.

Review on generic methods for mechanical modeling, simulation and control of soft robots

In this review paper, we are interested in the models and algorithms that allow generic simulation and control of a soft robot. First, we start with a quick overview of modeling approaches for soft robots and available methods for calculating the mechanical compliance, and in particular numerical methods, like real-time Finite Element Method (FEM). We also show how these models can be updated based on sensor data. Then, we are interested in the problem of inverse kinematics, under constraints, with generic solutions without assumption on the robot shape, the type, the placement or the redundancy of the actuators, the material behavior… We are also interested by the use of these models and algorithms in case of contact with the environment. Moreover, we refer to dynamic control algorithms based on mechanical models, allowing for robust control of the positioning of the robot. For each of these aspects, this paper gives a quick overview of the existing methods and a focus on the use of FEM. Finally, we discuss the implementation and our contribution in the field for an open soft robotics research.

The KAMAZ electric bus simulation model movement verification

Introduction (problem statement and relevance). Currently, one of the main and promising directions in the automotive industry is the development of the electric vehicle and charging infrastructure sector. The constant tightening of environmental requirements, the development of traction batteries (TAB) and automotive electronics are the main factors in the development of wheeled electric vehicles. The operation of electric buses on urban routes in modern cities is one of the promising developments of electric buses use. But the problem is, the TAB capacity, its resource and cost are still limited, therefore a key task in the development of an electric vehicles the choice of the most effective control algorithms and components of the traction electric drive (TED). The solution to this problem requires working out a simulation model, the accuracy and complexity of which must satisfy the chosen goal.The purpose of the study was to develop and verify a KAMAZ 6282 electric bus simulation model basing on experimental data.Methodology and research methods. The article presents an experimental and calculated data analysis of the main electric bus movement modes when driving in a city: acceleration, coasting, braking, upward movement.Scientific novelty and results. Basing on comparing the experimental and calculated data results, it has been determined that the presented simulation model of the electric bus was sufficient and adequate to determine the main performance indicators of the TED.Practical significance. The presented simulation model made it possible to analyze the performance indicators, on the basis of which the selection of the optimal TED components could be carried out. The simplicity of the simulation model allowed it to be used as part of optimal control algorithms and evaluate the electric bus movement along a city route.

Finite-time stabilization for fractional-order inertial neural networks with time varying delays

This paper deals with the finite-time stabilization of fractional-order inertial neural network with varying time-delays (FOINNs). Firstly, by correctly selected variable substitution, the system is transformed into a first-order fractional differential equation. Secondly, by building Lyapunov functionalities and using analytical techniques, as well as new control algorithms (which include the delay-dependent and delay-free controller), novel and effective criteria are established to attain the finite-time stabilization of the addressed system. Finally, two examples are used to illustrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the obtained results.

Обзор и классификация пространственно-временных векторов дискретных состояний семифазного преобразователя

The subject of the research is the control algorithms for a seven-phase converter that implement space-vector voltage modulation of a seven-phase motor as an alternative to a three-phase engine in modern electric traction. The study used elements of set theory, combinatorics, Fourier series expansion and vector analysis. Checking research results was implemented on a special stand for experimental studies of spatial vector voltage modulation of a seven-phase motor.

Sound Field Control in Surround Screen Speaker Array by WFS and CBT Algorithms

This paper proposes a method to solve the problem that the sound reproduction system cannot work when the movie screen is made by a sound-proof material such as LED. It is demonstrated in an array of 192 speakers to surround a screen for sound reproduction, called surround screen speaker array. The speaker array is built in an actual cinema. The sound field control algorithms are implemented by mixers. In order to improve the uneven sound field distribution and sound field aliasing caused by the speaker array, two algorithms WFS and CBT are used in this paper. A new control algorithm is proposed and demonstrated to improve the uniformity of the sound field distribution and reduce the sound field interference.

Mathematical description of a hybrid quadrocopter for the purpose of computer simulation of controlled motion

The problem of constructing the most complete mathematical model of the movement of a hybrid-type quadcopter, which, in addition to electric motors, is also equipped with an internal combustion engine, is considered. The relevance of this development is due to the desire to create a control system for a quadcopter of relatively new design, and the feasibility of development is due to the desire to use integrated design, improving the design of the device and elements of navigation and control. The developed mathematical model of the motion of the center of mass of the quadcopter and around the center of mass includes control variables and takes into account the gyroscopic moments from the rotors of the engines - carriers of kinetic moments. This model can be used in the process of designing and debugging control algorithms for such aircraft. The main method of modeling is the numerical integration of the system of differential equations. The given modeling complex will allow to carry out researches on influence of perturbing factors and imperfection of elements of a control system; test and improve management laws; to modernize the design of the quadcopter to increase the efficiency of operation. The advantage of the model is its validity, openness, versatility, as it is easy to adapt to any other design of the quadcopter.