Characteristics and Optimization Strategies of A* Algorithm and Ant Colony Optimization in Global Path Planning Algorithm

A* algorithm and ant colony optimization (ACO) are more widely used in path planning among global path planning algorithms. The optimization process is analyzed and summarized from the principles and characteristics of the two algorithms, A* algorithm is mainly optimized in terms of point selection and improvement of heuristic function; and ACO is mainly investigated in terms of transfer probability and pheromone positive feedback for improvement and optimization. Taking a single algorithm solving complex optimization problems difficulties into consideration, a splitting strategy can be used. So that local path or intelligent path optimization algorithms are incorporated in global path planning to improve search efficiency and optimization quality.