Local Bayesian Optimization for Controller Tuning with Crash Constraints

Controller tuning is crucial for closed-loop performance but often involves manual adjustments. Although Bayesian optimization (BO) has been established as a data-efficient method for automated tuning, applying it to large and high-dimensional search spaces remains challenging. We extend a recently proposed local variant of BO to include crash constraints, where the controller can only be successfully evaluated in an a-priori unknown feasible region. We demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method through simulations and hardware experiments. Our findings showcase the potential of local BO to enhance controller performance and reduce the time and resources necessary for tuning.

Multi-Objective Optimization of a Path-following MPC for Vehicle Guidance: A Bayesian Optimization Approach

This paper tackles the multi-objective optimization of the cost functional of a path-following model predictive control for vehicle longitudinal and lateral control. While the inherent optimal character of the model predictive control and the direct consideration of constraints gives a very powerful tool for many applications, is the determination of an appropriate cost functional a non-trivial task. This results on the one hand from the number of degrees of freedom or the multitude of adjustable parameters and on the other hand from the coupling of these. To overcome this situation a Bayesian optimization procedure is present, which gives the possibility to determine optimal cost functional parameters for a given desire. Moreover, a Pareto-front for a whole set of possible configurations can be computed.