Formation Control of Multiple Unmanned Surface Vehicles Using the Adaptive Null-Space-Based Behavioral Method

This paper presents an adaptive null-space-based behavioral (NSB) method to deal with the problems of saturation planning and lack of adaptability when the traditional NSB method is applied to the formation control of multiple unmanned surface vehicles (MUSVs). First, the NSB method is analyzed, and the matrix theory is introduced to propose a behavior priority theory determination method based on a vector graph. Second, consider the maneuverability of the unmanned surface vehicle (USV), variable coefficients with physical significances are introduced to redefine the behavioral motion model, making the speed limit solved in each working condition within the maneuvering range of the USV and effectively improving the formation ability of MUSVs. Third, a logical priority collision avoidance strategy between the MUSVs is proposed, aiming at the problem that when the USVs judge each other as obstacles, both of them adopt the obstacle avoidance behavior resulting in two vehicles’ courses deviating from the direction of the target point. Finally, a simulation platform for the formation control of MUSVs was established by taking the Dolphin-I prototype USV as the experimental object, and the feasibility of the proposed method was verified by a simulation test.