The invention discloses an automatic driving method based on an improved Astar
algorithm and a hierarchical state
machine, and the method consists of three parts: road topology abstract graph construction, a lane adaptive Astar
algorithm and the hierarchical state
machine, and forms an efficient and cooperative'planning-decision 'integrated frame. Firstly, a road topology abstract graph is constructed. Secondly, path planning is carried out by adopting an improved lane adaptive Astar
algorithm, and two stages of search strategies are included: in the first stage, road section-level
global planning is carried out on a road topology abstract graph, and a macroscopic feasible path is rapidly determined; in the second stage, lane-level refined
path generation is carried out in the selected road section, road curvature, width and static and dynamic obstacle distribution are comprehensively considered, and a smooth and safe accurate driving track meeting
vehicle dynamics constraints is generated. Finally, a hierarchical state
machine is designed, and the top layer is responsible for managing a
driving mode and ensuring the
global consistency of decisions; and the bottom layer executes fine speed control and lane changing control according to the top layer instruction.