Nowadays, automatic guided vehicles (AGV) are extensively utilized for transportation and inspection tasks in workshops. The A* and artificial potential field (APF) are classic algorithms employed for path planning of AGVs. However, these algorithms still fail to meet the actual production needs and cannot avoid stuttering while encountering obstacles, leading to excessive energy consumption and unnecessary pause. In the paper, an improved A* algorithm is proposed to reduce route length and improving efficiency. On this basis, an integrated fusion strategy consisting of improved APF and nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) is designed for collision avoidance and path tracking control. The proposed algorithm is tested both on simulation and a laser-guided real automatic guided vehicle experimental platform. Experimental results prove that the proposed algorithm has a great tracking performance under complex workplace.
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