Rubina Castro^1,2, Bruno Silva^1,3, Luiz Guerreiro Lopes^1,4, Fábio Mendonça^1,2,*

CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.88, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cmc.2026.079979 - 15 June 2026

Abstract Path planning for autonomous underwater vehicles requires reliable and computationally efficient methods, particularly in cluttered environments. This work presents a comparative evaluation of representative approaches, including metaheuristic optimization methods (continuous genetic algorithm, particle swarm optimization, gray wolf optimizer, and Jaya), a sampling-based method (probabilistic roadmap with genetic refinement), a reactive strategy (artificial potential fields), and a control-based approach (model predictive control with control barrier functions). The algorithms are assessed in a controlled two-dimensional simulated workspace with randomly generated obstacles and systematically increasing obstacle density. Each configuration is evaluated across multiple independent trials using metrics such… More >

Qianshu Yang, Shuangxi Liu^*, Xianyu Wu, Wei Zhao

CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.88, No.1, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cmc.2026.079895 - 08 May 2026

Abstract Path planning for unmanned systems in complex environments must simultaneously satisfy safety, kinematic feasibility, and real-time performance requirements. Monte Carlo Tree Search (MCTS) offers advantages such as model-free operation, strong interpretability, and anytime planning capability, but it suffers from large branching factors, excessive search depths, and poor convergence under sparse reward conditions in high-dimensional state spaces. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a Heuristic Rolling Monte Carlo Tree Search (HRMCTS) framework. First, the path planning problem is formulated as a constrained Markov decision process, where the state consists of position and heading, and actions… More >

A. Sivasangari^1,*, V. J. K. Kishor Sonti¹, J. Cruz Antony¹, E. Murali¹, D. Deepa¹, A. Happonen²

CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.87, No.3, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cmc.2026.074429 - 09 April 2026

Abstract In the past two decades, Precision Agriculture has received research attention since the development of robotics. Agricultural robotic equipment and drones, which can be operated by farmers, are appearing more frequently and being used to make the process of farming easier and more productive. This paper attempts to develop a modified Q-learning algorithm. A reinforcement learning algorithm called Q-learning has Q-values that are updated in order to find the best routes for the robotic devices to follow while avoiding any obstacles. Different types of terrain and other factors that influence the development of good routes… More >

Yanping Chen¹, Zhengxin Zhan¹, Xiaohui Yan¹, Le Zou^1,*, Yucheng Zhong¹, Hailei Wang²

CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.87, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cmc.2026.075459 - 12 March 2026

Abstract With the increasing complexity of substation inspection tasks, achieving efficient and safe path planning for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in densely populated and structurally complex three-dimensional (3D) environments remains a critical challenge. To address this problem, this paper proposes an improved path planning algorithm—Random Geometric Graph (RGG)-guided Rapidly-exploring Random Tree (R-RRT)—based on the classical Rapidly-exploring Random Tree (RRT) framework. First, a refined 3D occupancy grid map is constructed from Light Detection and Ranging point cloud data through ground filtering, noise removal, coordinate transformation, and obstacle inflation using spherical structuring elements. During the planning stage, a dynamic… More >

Rui Yao^1,2, Yuye Wang^1,2,*, Fei Yu^1,2,3,*, Hongrun Wu^1,2, Zhenya Diao^1,2

CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.87, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cmc.2026.073861 - 12 March 2026

Abstract Path planning for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in complex environments presents several challenges. Traditional algorithms often struggle with the complexity of high-dimensional search spaces, leading to inefficiencies. Additionally, the non-linear nature of cost functions can cause algorithms to become trapped in local optima. Furthermore, there is often a lack of adequate consideration for real-world constraints, for example, due to the necessity for obstacle avoidance or because of the restrictions of flight safety. To address the aforementioned issues, this paper proposes a dynamic weighted spherical particle swarm optimization (DW-SPSO) algorithm. The algorithm adopts a dual Sigmoid-based More >

Md. Faishal Rahaman¹, Xueyuan Li^1,*, Muhammad Amjad¹, Ibrahim Gasimov², Md. Shariful Islam², S. M. Abul Bashar³

CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.146, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cmes.2026.078206 - 26 February 2026

Abstract Researchers are increasingly focused on enabling groups of multiple unmanned vehicles to operate cohesively in complex, real-world environments, where coordinated formation control and obstacle avoidance are essential for executing sophisticated collective tasks. This paper presents a Distributed Formation Control and Obstacle Avoidance (DFCOA) framework for multi-unmanned ground vehicles (UGV). DFCOA integrates a virtual leader structure for global guidance, an improved A* path planning algorithm with an advanced cost function for efficient path planning, and a repulsive-force- based improved vector field histogram star(VFH*) technique for collision avoidance. The virtual leader generates a reference trajectory while enabling… More >

Lishu Qin^*, Yu Gao, Xinyuan Lu

CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.87, No.1, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cmc.2025.074739 - 10 February 2026

Abstract With the rapid development of intelligent navigation technology, efficient and safe path planning for mobile robots has become a core requirement. To address the challenges of complex dynamic environments, this paper proposes an intelligent path planning framework based on grid map modeling. First, an improved Safe and Smooth A* (SSA*) algorithm is employed for global path planning. By incorporating obstacle expansion and corner-point optimization, the proposed SSA* enhances the safety and smoothness of the planned path. Then, a Partitioned Dynamic Window Approach (PDWA) is integrated for local planning, which is triggered when dynamic or sudden… More >

Jianing Wu¹, Yufeng Chen^1,*, Li Yin¹, Huajun He², Panshuan Jin²

CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.87, No.1, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cmc.2025.072937 - 10 February 2026

Abstract To conduct marine surveys, multiple unmanned surface vessels (Multi-USV) with different capabilities perform collaborative mapping in multiple designated areas. This paper proposes a task allocation algorithm based on integer linear programming (ILP) with flow balance constraints, ensuring the fair and efficient distribution of sub-areas among USVs and maintaining strong connectivity of assigned regions. In the established grid map, a search-based path planning algorithm is performed on the sub-areas according to the allocation scheme. It uses the greedy algorithm and the A* algorithm to achieve complete coverage of the barrier-free area and obtain an efficient trajectory More >

Hui Chen¹, Mohammed A. H. Ali^1,*, Bushroa Abd Razak¹, Zhenya Wang², Yusoff Nukman¹, Shikai Zhang¹, Zhiwei Huang¹, Ligang Yao³, Mohammad Alkhedher⁴

CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.87, No.1, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cmc.2026.065539 - 10 February 2026

Abstract Most existing path planning approaches rely on discrete expansions or localized heuristics that can lead to extended re-planning, inefficient detours, and limited adaptability to complex obstacle distributions. These issues are particularly pronounced when navigating cluttered or large-scale environments that demand both global coverage and smooth trajectory generation. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a Wave Water Simulator (WWS) algorithm, leveraging a physically motivated wave equation to achieve inherently smooth, globally consistent path planning. In WWS, wavefront expansions naturally identify safe corridors while seamlessly avoiding local minima, and selective corridor focusing reduces computational overhead in More >

Huda Talib Najm^1,2, Ahmed Sabah Al-Araji³, Nur Syazreen Ahmad^1,*

CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.146, No.1, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cmes.2025.071837 - 29 January 2026

Abstract Mobile service robots (MSRs) in hospital environments require precise and robust trajectory tracking to ensure reliable operation under dynamic conditions, including model uncertainties and external disturbances. This study presents a cognitive control strategy that integrates a Numerical Feedforward Inverse Dynamic Controller (NFIDC) with a Feedback Radial Basis Function Neural Network (FRBFNN). The robot’s mechanical structure was designed in SolidWorks 2022 SP2.0 and validated under operational loads using finite element analysis in ANSYS 2022 R1. The NFIDC-FRBFNN framework merges proactive inverse dynamic compensation with adaptive neural learning to achieve smooth torque responses and accurate motion control.… More >