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We propose a nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) framework based on a direct optimal control method that ensures continuous-time constraint satisfaction and accurate evaluation of the running cost, without compromising computational…
A local convergence rate is established for an orthogonal collocation method based on Gauss quadrature applied to an unconstrained optimal control problem. If the continuous problem has a sufficiently smooth solution and the Hamiltonian…
We propose an approach to trajectory optimization for piecewise polynomial systems based on the recently proposed graphs of convex sets framework. We instantiate the framework with a convex relaxation of optimal control based on occupation…
A local convergence rate is established for an orthogonal collocation method based on Radau quadrature applied to an unconstrained optimal control problem. If the continuous problem has a sufficiently smooth solution and the Hamiltonian…
Real-world environments are inherently uncertain, and to operate safely in these environments robots must be able to plan around this uncertainty. In the context of motion planning, we desire systems that can maintain an acceptable level of…
In this paper, we consider the nonlinear constrained optimization problem (NCP) with constraint set $\{x \in \mathcal{X}: c(x) = 0\}$, where $\mathcal{X}$ is a closed convex subset of $\mathbb{R}^n$. We propose an exact penalty approach,…
This article addresses the obstacle avoidance problem for setpoint stabilization and path-following tasks in complex dynamic 2D environments that go beyond conventional scenes with isolated convex obstacles. A combined motion planner and…
This paper presents a novel method for reformulating non-differentiable collision avoidance constraints into smooth nonlinear constraints using strong duality of convex optimization. We focus on a controlled object whose goal is to avoid…
This paper proposes a novel and practical framework for safe flight envelope estimation and protection, in order to prevent loss-of-control-related accidents. Conventional analytical envelope estimation methods fail to function efficiently…
We propose an online iterative algorithm to optimize a convex cover to under-approximate the free space for autonomous navigation to delineate Safe Flight Corridors (SFC). The convex cover consists of a set of polytopes such that the union…
Many robotics tasks, such as path planning or trajectory optimization, are formulated as optimal control problems (OCPs). The key to obtaining high performance lies in the design of the OCP's objective function. In practice, the objective…
Given $n$ points in a $d$ dimensional Euclidean space, the Minimum Enclosing Ball (MEB) problem is to find the ball with the smallest radius which contains all $n$ points. We give a $O(nd\Qcal/\sqrt{\epsilon})$ approximation algorithm for…
This paper addresses an optimal control problem for a robot that has to find and collect a finite number of objects and move them to a depot in minimum time. The robot has fourth-order dynamics that change instantaneously at any pick-up or…
Conformal Prediction (CP) is a principled framework for quantifying uncertainty in blackbox learning models, by constructing prediction sets with finite-sample coverage guarantees. Traditional approaches rely on scalar nonconformity scores,…
This paper presents a novel approach for collision avoidance in optimal and model predictive control, in which the environment is represented by a large number of points and the robot as a union of padded polygons. The conditions that none…
Oberman gave a stochastic control formulation of the problem of estimating the convex envelope of a non-convex function. Based on this, we develop a reinforcement learning scheme to approximate the convex envelope, using a variant of…
We present a model development framework and numerical solution approach to the general problem-class of packing convex objects into optimized convex containers. Specifically, here we discuss the problem of packing ovals (egg-shaped…
Efficient methods to provide sub-optimal solutions to non-convex optimization problems with knowledge of the solution's sub-optimality would facilitate the widespread application of nonlinear optimal control algorithms. To that end,…
Autonomous driving requires reliable collision avoidance in dynamic environments. Nonlinear Model Predictive Controllers (NMPCs) are suitable for this task, but struggle in time-critical scenarios requiring high frequency. To meet this…
Landing safety is a challenge heavily engaging the research community recently, due to the increasing interest in applications availed by aerial vehicles. In this paper, we propose a landing safety pipeline based on state of the art object…