Review of path planning algorithms for mobile robots

Wu Jintaoa
Yan Jianweia,b
Zhang Fuguib
Zhang Shaoxiab
a. School of Mechanical Engineering, b. Key Laboratory of Modern Manufacturing Technology of Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China

Abstract

With the advent of the intelligent era, robotics technology is being increasingly applied across various fields. As the core technology enabling autonomous movement in mobile robots, efficient path planning not only helps them easily avoid obstacles but also optimizes their motion trajectories, reduces energy consumption, and facilitates rapid movement to target points. Therefore, the impact of path planning on mobile robots cannot be underestimated, making it necessary to survey existing path planning algorithms for mobile robots. First, based on the design principles of the algorithms, we classify path planning algorithms into traditional path planning algorithms, sampling-based algorithms, intelligent optimization algorithms, and learning-based planning algorithms to more clearly distinguish between different types. Second, we elaborate in detail on the principles and characteristics of each category and systematically summarize the improvements made by other researchers to address the limitations of these algorithms. Finally, we prospect the future development directions of path planning algorithms for mobile robots, aiming to provide references and insights for research in this field.

Foundation Support

国家重点研发计划重点专项项目(子课题)(2021YFD1100307-3)
贵州省农业农村厅贵州省现代农业(茶叶)产业技术体系建设专项资助项目(GZCYCYJSTX-05)
贵州省山地智能农机全省重点实验室建设项目(黔科合平台ZSYS〔2025〕013)

Publish Information

DOI: 10.19734/j.issn.1001-3695.2025.08.0294
Publish at: Application Research of Computers Accepted Paper, Vol. 43, 2026 No. 4

Publish History

[2025-12-18] Accepted Paper

Cite This Article

吴锦涛, 闫建伟, 张富贵, 等. 移动机器人路径规划算法研究综述 [J]. 计算机应用研究, 2026, 43 (4). (2025-12-19). https://doi.org/10.19734/j.issn.1001-3695.2025.08.0294. (Wu Jintao, Yan Jianwei, Zhang Fugui, et al. Review of path planning algorithms for mobile robots [J]. Application Research of Computers, 2026, 43 (4). (2025-12-19). https://doi.org/10.19734/j.issn.1001-3695.2025.08.0294. )

About the Journal

  • Application Research of Computers Monthly Journal
  • Journal ID ISSN 1001-3695
    CN  51-1196/TP

Application Research of Computers, founded in 1984, is an academic journal of computing technology sponsored by Sichuan Institute of Computer Sciences under the Science and Technology Department of Sichuan Province.

Aiming at the urgently needed cutting-edge technology in this discipline, Application Research of Computers reflects the mainstream technology, hot technology and the latest development trend of computer application research at home and abroad in a timely manner. The main contents of the journal include high-level academic papers in this discipline, the latest scientific research results and major application results. The contents of the columns involve new theories of computer discipline, basic computer theory, algorithm theory research, algorithm design and analysis, blockchain technology, system software and software engineering technology, pattern recognition and artificial intelligence, architecture, advanced computing, parallel processing, database technology, computer network and communication technology, information security technology, computer image graphics and its latest hot application technology.

Application Research of Computers has many high-level readers and authors, and its readers are mainly senior and middle-level researchers and engineers engaged in the field of computer science, as well as teachers and students majoring in computer science and related majors in colleges and universities. Over the years, the total citation frequency and Web download rate of Application Research of Computers have been ranked among the top of similar academic journals in this discipline, and the academic papers published are highly popular among the readers for their novelty, academics, foresight, orientation and practicality.


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