An Experimental Platform for Motion Estimation and Maneuver Characterization in High Speed Off-Road Driving

This paper describes a low-cost experimental platform for investigating control and dynamics of a vehicle performing high speed sliding turns in an off-road environment. The hardware design and field performance of the vehicle are discussed. State and control input data were recorded during a series of human-controlled off-road driving maneuvers. Analysis performed on the data demonstrates the ability to detect slippage and measure sideslip angle. Preliminary classification of human control inputs using pattern recognition techniques shows the ability to match steering inputs with vehicle trajectories that can be used to develop motion primitives for vehicle control. These tools and techniques will be used for the development of high speed autonomous off-road driving.