SMART-3D: Three-Dimensional Self-Morphing Adaptive Replanning Tree

Abstract--This paper presents SMART -3D, an extension of the SMART algorithm to 3D environments. SMART -3D is a tree-based adaptive replanning algorithm for dynamic environments with fast moving obstacles. SMART -3D morphs the underlying tree to find a new path in real-time whenever the current path is blocked by obstacles. SMART -3D removed the grid decomposition requirement of the SMART algorithm by replacing the concept of hot-spots with that of hot-nodes, thus making it computationally efficient and scalable to 3D environments. The hot-nodes are nodes which allow for efficient reconnections to morph the existing tree to find a new safe and reliable path. The performance of SMART -3D is evaluated by extensive simulations in 2D and 3D environments populated with randomly moving dynamic obstacles. The results show that SMART -3D achieves high success rates and low replanning times, thus highlighting its suitability for real-time onboard applications. Recent decades have seen significant growth of autonomous robots in supporting a diverse range of human operations.