Journals / Gazi Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Dergisi Part C: Tasarım ve Teknoloji / 2026 / Cilt: 14 Sayı: 3

ROS 2/Gazebo Simulation Study of a Pure Pursuit-Based Path-Following Algorithm Toward Low-Cost Autonomous Tractor Conversion

Düşük Maliyetli Otonom Traktör Dönüşümüne Yönelik Pure Pursuit Tabanlı Yol Takip Algoritmasının ROS 2/Gazebo Simülasyon Çalışması

Mustafa Cem Aldağ(Bandırma Onyedi Eylül Üniversitesi)0000-0001-7224-2277
Pages
1644–1658
Publication Date
2026-09-30
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

The results suggest that algorithm performance appears to be largely bounded by localization accuracy at low operating speeds, and that RTK-grade positioning provides a basis for precision agriculture applications.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

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Objective & Hypothesis:This study presents the development and validation of a Pure Pursuit-based path tracking algorithm for the low-cost autonomous conversion of a conventional agricultural tractor, using a two-layer methodology.
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Key Findings & Data:In the first layer, a Python simulation based on the kinematic bicycle model was used for controller design and grid-search parameter optimization (k₁ = 1.3 m, k₂ = 0.7 s).
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Conclusion & Impact:The results suggest that algorithm performance appears to be largely bounded by localization accuracy at low operating speeds, and that RTK-grade positioning provides a basis for precision agriculture applications.
🔬Design:Modeling & Simulation
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Otonom traktör · Pure Pursuit · ROS 2

Abstract

This study presents the development and validation of a Pure Pursuit-based path tracking algorithm for the low-cost autonomous conversion of a conventional agricultural tractor, using a two-layer methodology. The kinematic parameters of a mass-produced mid-size agricultural tractor widely used in Türkiye served as the reference. In the first layer, a Python simulation based on the kinematic bicycle model was used for controller design and grid-search parameter optimization (k₁ = 1.3 m, k₂ = 0.7 s). In the second layer, the optimized controller was statistically validated in the ROS 2 Humble / Gazebo Classic 11 full-physics environment under four scenarios, with each of the three disturbance scenarios repeated n = 10 times with independent random seeds. The algorithm incorporates dynamic lookahead distance, gradual headland deceleration, and rate-limited steering control. In the full-physics simulation, the mean straight line cross-track error (CTE) was 0.055 m under ideal conditions, 0.085 ± 0.023 m in the RTK GPS scenario, and 0.446 ± 0.011 m in the standard GPS scenario. A 0.15 s actuator delay produced a statistically significant, but bounded CTE increase under standard GPS conditions (5.6%, p = 0.006). The results suggest that algorithm performance appears to be largely bounded by localization accuracy at low operating speeds, and that RTK-grade positioning provides a basis for precision agriculture applications.

Özet

Bu çalışmada, konvansiyonel bir tarım traktörünün düşük maliyetli otonom dönüşümü için Pure Pursuit tabanlı bir yol takip algoritmasının iki katmanlı bir yöntemle geliştirilmesi ve doğrulanması sunulmaktadır. Türkiye'de yaygın olarak kullanılan, seri üretim orta sınıf bir tarım traktörünün kinematik parametreleri referans alınmıştır. Birinci katmanda, kinematik bisiklet modeline dayalı bir Python simülasyonu kontrolcü tasarımı ve grid arama ile parametre optimizasyonu (k₁ = 1,3 m; k₂ = 0,7 s) için kullanılmış; ikinci katmanda, optimize edilen kontrolcü ROS 2 Humble ve Gazebo Classic 11 tam fizik ortamında, üç bozucu senaryosunun her biri bağımsız rastgele tohumlarla n = 10 kez tekrarlanacak şekilde dört senaryo altında istatistiksel olarak doğrulanmıştır. Geliştirilen algoritma; dinamik lookahead mesafesi, kademeli headland yavaşlatma ve rate-limited direksiyon kontrolü içermektedir. Tam fizik simülasyonunda düz hat segmentlerinde ortalama çapraz hat hatası (CTE) ideal koşullarda 0,055 m, RTK-GPS senaryosunda 0,085 ± 0,023 m, standart GPS senaryosunda ise 0,446 ± 0,011 m olarak ölçülmüştür. 0,15 s'lik aktüatör gecikmesi, standart GPS koşullarında CTE'yi istatistiksel olarak anlamlı ancak sınırlı ölçüde artırmıştır (%5,6; p = 0,006). Elde edilen bulgular, düşük hızlı tarımsal operasyonlarda algoritma performansının büyük ölçüde konumlama doğruluğuyla sınırlandığını ve RTK düzeyinde konumlamanın hassas tarım uygulamaları için bir temel oluşturabileceğini düşündürmektedir.

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Cite This Article

Aldağ, M. C. (2026). ROS 2/Gazebo Simulation Study of a Pure Pursuit-Based Path-Following Algorithm Toward Low-Cost Autonomous Tractor Conversion. Gazi Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Dergisi Part C: Tasarım ve Teknoloji, Cilt: 14 Sayı: 3, 1644–1658. https://doi.org/10.29109/gujsc.1932281

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