Robust Nonlinear Trajectory Tracking Control for Autonomous Racing on Three-Dimensional Tracks

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Main Authors: Bongard, Joscha F., Jank, Georg, Sagmeister, Simon, Lohmann, Boris
Format: Preprint
Published: 2026
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author Bongard, Joscha F.
Jank, Georg
Sagmeister, Simon
Lohmann, Boris
author_facet Bongard, Joscha F.
Jank, Georg
Sagmeister, Simon
Lohmann, Boris
contents We propose a robust nonlinear model predictive control (MPC) scheme for trajectory-tracking control of autonomous vehicles at the limits of handling on non-planar road surfaces. We derive the dynamics from first principles and selectively omit terms with negligible dynamic influence to maintain real-time capability. The resulting MPC with a three-dimensional (3D) dynamic single-track model integrates relevant dynamic effects directly into the prediction model and leverages them to improve prediction accuracy and therefore control performance. Even if the influence of terrain-induced vertical loads on the total acceleration potential is modeled, tire-road interactions are subject to uncertainty and disturbance. The uncertainty-aware constraint tightening scheme introduces a margin to constraint bounds to keep the vehicle controllable and stable in this environment. To validate our proposed approach, we perform high-fidelity dynamic double-track vehicle dynamics simulations on a model of a real circuit. We find that our algorithm can improve trajectory-tracking accuracy while maintaining low computation times.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2604_19452
institution arXiv
publishDate 2026
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Robust Nonlinear Trajectory Tracking Control for Autonomous Racing on Three-Dimensional Tracks
Bongard, Joscha F.
Jank, Georg
Sagmeister, Simon
Lohmann, Boris
Systems and Control
We propose a robust nonlinear model predictive control (MPC) scheme for trajectory-tracking control of autonomous vehicles at the limits of handling on non-planar road surfaces. We derive the dynamics from first principles and selectively omit terms with negligible dynamic influence to maintain real-time capability. The resulting MPC with a three-dimensional (3D) dynamic single-track model integrates relevant dynamic effects directly into the prediction model and leverages them to improve prediction accuracy and therefore control performance. Even if the influence of terrain-induced vertical loads on the total acceleration potential is modeled, tire-road interactions are subject to uncertainty and disturbance. The uncertainty-aware constraint tightening scheme introduces a margin to constraint bounds to keep the vehicle controllable and stable in this environment. To validate our proposed approach, we perform high-fidelity dynamic double-track vehicle dynamics simulations on a model of a real circuit. We find that our algorithm can improve trajectory-tracking accuracy while maintaining low computation times.
title Robust Nonlinear Trajectory Tracking Control for Autonomous Racing on Three-Dimensional Tracks
topic Systems and Control
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2604.19452