GPS and Vehicle Dynamics Research

The GAVLab's research has three main areas of focus. Click on each one to learn about lab resources, notable projects, and recent publications.

• Positioning, Navigation, and Timing
• Robust Control Methods
• Vehicle Dynamics

Position, Navigation, and Timing

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, PNT is the use of three distinct capabilities, that used in combination with map data and other information, allow for consumers to use systems such as Google Maps, Apple Maps, Waze, and many other commercial navigation systems.

While commercial use of these methods has become an important part of everyday life, PNT is also paramount for multiple sectors of critical infrastructure, such as Defense and Security.

The GAVLab has many research efforts spanning from conventional PNT using GPS to utilizing newly launched low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite systems.

Robust Control Methods

Robust Control is a subsection of control theory that specifically concerns the uncertainty of a system. Utilizing stochastic and Bayesian-probability methods, robust contol methods aim to control variables at specific times.

The GAVLab utilizes robust control methods for autonomous vehicles, satellite and orbital estimation, and signal processing. It is a broad field with many opportunities for growth, especially in a lab as versatile as ours.

Dynamics and Controls of Autonomous Vehicles

The third major area of research the GAVLab studies is surrounding how a vehicle moves. Vehicle Autonomy is dependent largely on a vehicle's dynamic properties, as those determine different aspects of the controllers designed for them.