Dynamic Obstacle Avoidance for USVs Using Cross-Domain Deep Reinforcement Learning and Neural Network Model Predictive Controller
This work presents a framework that allows Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) to avoid dynamic obstacles through initial training on an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) and cross-domain retraining on a USV. This is achieved by integrating a Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) agent that generates high-leve...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2023-03-01
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| Series: | Sensors |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/23/7/3572 |
| Summary: | This work presents a framework that allows Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) to avoid dynamic obstacles through initial training on an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) and cross-domain retraining on a USV. This is achieved by integrating a Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) agent that generates high-level control commands and leveraging a neural network based model predictive controller (NN-MPC) to reach target waypoints and reject disturbances. A Deep Q Network (DQN) utilized in this framework is trained in a ground environment using a Turtlebot robot and retrained in a water environment using the BREAM USV in the Gazebo simulator to avoid dynamic obstacles. The network is then validated in both simulation and real-world tests. The cross-domain learning largely decreases the training time (<inline-formula><math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"><semantics><mrow><mn>28</mn><mo>%</mo></mrow></semantics></math></inline-formula>) and increases the obstacle avoidance performance (70 more reward points) compared to pure water domain training. This methodology shows that it is possible to leverage the data-rich and accessible ground environments to train DRL agent in data-poor and difficult-to-access marine environments. This will allow rapid and iterative agent development without further training due to the change in environment or vehicle dynamics. |
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| ISSN: | 1424-8220 |