Dynamic Obstacle Avoidance Approach Based on Integration of A-Star and APF Algorithms for Vehicles in Complex Mountainous Environments

Complex mountainous environments pose significant challenges for dynamic path planning and obstacle avoidance of transport vehicles. In response, this paper presents an innovative path planning approach that combines an enhanced A* algorithm with the artificial potential field (APF) method. Firstly, the heuristic function of the A* algorithm was improved, and path inflection points were optimized to enhance global path-planning efficiency and smoothness. Secondly, a target distance factor was introduced to modify the APF algorithm’s repulsive field function, solving the traditional APF’s target-unreachable problem. The integrated algorithm uses the A*-optimized inflection points as sub-target points for the APF, meeting real-time obstacle avoidance requirements in dynamic environments and conducting secondary path planning to avoid local minima. Impressively, static environment simulations demonstrated the integrated algorithm’s outstanding path-planning capabilities in complex terrains. Moreover, dynamic obstacle avoidance experiments revealed its remarkable ability to not only detect and evade dynamic obstacles but also maintain a safe distance from static ones. The findings highlight that this method significantly boosts path-planning efficiency while ensuring safety and global optimality in dynamic settings. This breakthrough offers crucial theoretical support for enhancing the navigation of mountain transport vehicles in complex, real-world scenarios, potentially improving their operation.