Related papers: Smooth Reference Command Generation and Control fo…
We solve the minimum-thrust optimal trajectory generation problem for the transition of a tiltwing Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft using convex optimisation. The method is based on a change of differential operator that allows…
We propose a method to generate robust and optimal trajectories for the transition of a tiltwing Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft leveraging concepts from convex optimisation, tube-based nonlinear Model Predictive Control (MPC)…
Transition control poses a critical challenge in Vertical Take-Off and Landing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (VTOL UAV) development due to the tilting rotor mechanism, which shifts the center of gravity and thrust direction during transitions.…
We present theoretical and numerical results concerning the problem to find the path that minimizes the time to navigate between two given points in a complex fluid under realistic navigation constraints. We contrast deterministic Optimal…
This paper studies the formation mission design problem for commercial aircraft in the presence of uncertainties. Specifically, it considers uncertainties in the departure times of the aircraft and in the fuel burn savings for the trailing…
We consider the problem of finding collision-free paths for curvature-constrained systems in the presence of obstacles while minimizing execution time. Specifically, we focus on the setting where a planar system can travel at some range of…
This paper presents a flight control design for compound Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) vehicles. With their multitude of degrees of controllability as well as the significant variations in their flight characteristics, VTOL vehicles…
Fixed-wing vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft pose a unique control challenge that stems from complex aerodynamic interactions between wings and rotors. Thus, accurate estimation of external forces is indispensable for achieving…
This paper presents the mathematical modeling, controller design, and flight-testing of an over-actuated Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) tiltwing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). Based on simplified aerodynamics and first-principles, a…
In this paper we first contribute a large scale online study (N=400) to better understand aesthetic perception of aerial video. The results indicate that it is paramount to optimize smoothness of trajectories across all keyframes. However,…
Agile quadrotor flight relies on rapidly planning and accurately tracking time-optimal trajectories, a technology critical to their application in the wild. However, the computational burden of computing time-optimal trajectories based on…
In this paper we provide an optimal control based strategy to explore feasible trajectories of nonlinear systems, that is to find curves that satisfy the dynamics as well as point-wise state-input constraints. The strategy is interesting…
Efficient and safe trajectory planning plays a critical role in the application of quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicles. Currently, the inherent trade-off between constraint compliance and computational efficiency enhancement in UAV…
Vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft do not require a prolonged runway, thus allowing them to land almost anywhere. In recent years, their flexibility has made them popular in development, research, and operation. When compared to…
In this paper, we tackle the problem of flying a quadrotor using time-optimal control policies that can be replanned online when the environment changes or when encountering unknown disturbances. This problem is challenging as the…
This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of dynamic aerodynamic derivatives during aircraft transition phases using advanced CFD simulations and forced oscillation testing. Two case studies are examined: a three dimensional fighter…
In this paper, the trajectory planning problem for autonomous rendezvous and docking between a controlled spacecraft and a tumbling target is addressed. The use of a variable planning horizon is proposed in order to construct an appropriate…
A Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) aircraft is capable of short/vertical takeoffs and landings, thus eliminating the requirement of long runways. This feature makes them suitable for a broader variety of missions, generally not…
This work addresses the problem of robot manipulation tasks under unknown dynamics, such as pick-and-place tasks under payload uncertainty, where active exploration and(/for) online parameter adaptation during task execution are essential…
In airport operations, optimally using dedicated personnel for baggage handling tasks plays a crucial role in the design of resource-efficient processes. Teams of workers with different qualifications must be formed, and loading or…