For realizing the mobile robot independently plan and walk the shortest path according to algorithm in the actual map environment, research the actual application of A*, ant colony and genetic algorithm. Through the methods of simulation and controlling variable, 3 algorithms above are used to plan shortest path in the analogous map. Comparing the planning effect of different algorithms in different complex maps, the rules of the algorithms applied in the actual map will be easily concluded, then modify it by multi tests and simulations. The simulation results show that A* algorithm is the best in the actual map environment application. The mobile robot has been able to plan and walk the shortest path according to A* algorithm.