Research on Satellite Navigation Control of Six‐Crawler Machinery Based on Fuzzy PID Algorithm

ABSTRACT The six‐crawler driving mechanism plays a crucial role in the operation of large machines such as bucket‐wheel excavators, dumping machines, and mobile crushing stations, as it serves functions like bearing, movement and steering. The driving characteristics of this mechanism directly influence the safety and efficiency of these machinery systems. To enhance the design methodology for multi‐crawler machinery, improve path controllability, and achieve adaptive driving, a satellite navigation control system for six‐crawler machinery was developed based on the principles of real‐time kinematic (RTK) satellite positioning. This system utilizes the distance deviation and heading angle deviation between the actual path and the predetermined path of the six‐crawler machinery as inputs to a fuzzy proportion integration differentiation (fuzzy PID) controller. This controller regulates the deviation angle of the steering crawler and the driving speeds of each track, thereby ensuring precise path tracking control. To evaluate the path tracking control performance under both straight and curved driving conditions, a virtual prototype model of the six‐crawler mechanical system was established, and co‐simulation analysis was conducted. In addition, an experimental platform for path tracking control of six‐crawler machinery was established to validate the efficacy of the satellite navigation system. The actual tracking data obtained from various driving conditions and initial deviations demonstrated that the RTK satellite navigation path tracking control system exhibited excellent control performance.