Adaptive Allocation of Steering Control Weights for Intelligent Vehicles Based on a Human–Machine Non-Cooperative Game

The present paper proposes an adaptive steering weight allocation strategy based on a non-cooperative Stackelberg game and Model Predictive Control (MPC) for dynamic steering authority allocation in human–machine shared control of intelligent vehicles. First, the human–machine steering interaction is modelled as a Stackelberg game, and the steering control problem is formulated as an MPC optimization problem. The optimal control sequences of the driver and the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) under game equilibrium are then derived through backward induction. Subsequently, driver behaviour is classified as aggressive, moderate, or conservative according to lateral preview error and lateral acceleration, and the driver state is quantified using parametric indicators. Furthermore, by integrating potential field-based driving risk assessment with human–machine conflict intensity, a fuzzy logic-based dynamic weight adjustment mechanism is constructed. Simulation results show that when the steering intentions of the driver and the ADAS are highly consistent, the proposed strategy can effectively reduce driver workload and improve driving safety. In high-risk driving situations, the strategy automatically transfers more steering authority to the ADAS to enhance safety, whereas under low-risk conditions with strong human–machine steering conflict, greater driver authority is preserved to ensure that the vehicle follows the intended path. Hardware-in-the-loop experiments in lane-changing assistance scenarios further verify the effectiveness of the proposed strategy under different driving styles. Quantitative results show that, compared with manual driving, the proposed strategy reduces the maximum lateral overshoot by 98.75%, 85.54%, and 98.58% for aggressive, moderate, and conservative drivers, respectively. In addition, the peak yaw rate and driver control effort are significantly reduced, indicating smoother vehicle dynamic response and lower steering workload. These results demonstrate that the proposed strategy can effectively improve lane-change stability, reduce driver burden, and maintain safe and coordinated human–machine shared control.