UAV trajectory planning based on improved bidirectional RRT algorithm

In response to the problems of low sampling efficiency, strong randomness of sampling points, and the tortuous shape of the planned path in the traditional rapidly-exploring random tree (RRT) algorithm and bidirectional RRT algorithm used for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) path planning in complex environments, an improved bidirectional RRT algorithm was proposed. The algorithm firstly adopted a goal-oriented strategy to guide the sampling points towards the target point, and then the artificial potential field acted on the random tree nodes to avoid collision with obstacles and reduced the length of the search path, and the random tree node growth also combined the UAV’s own flight constraints, and by combining the triangulation method to remove the redundant node strategy and the third-order B-spline curve for the smoothing of the trajectory, the planned path was better. The planned paths were more optimized. Finally, the simulation experiments in complex and dynamic environments showed that the algorithm effectively improved the speed of trajectory planning and shortened the length of the trajectory, and could generate a safe, smooth and fast trajectory in complex environments, which could be applied to online trajectory planning.