A Self-triggered Position Based Visual Servoing Model Predictive Control Scheme for Underwater Robotic Vehicles

Model predictive control for constrained robot manipulator visual servoing tuned by reinforcement learning

For constrained image-based visual servoing (IBVS) of robot manipulators, a model predictive control (MPC) strategy tuned by reinforcement learning (RL) is proposed in this study. First, model predictive control is used to transform the image-based visual servo task into a nonlinear optimization problem while taking system constraints into consideration. In the design of the model predictive controller, a depth-independent visual servo model is presented as the predictive model. Next, a suitable model predictive control objective function weight matrix is trained and obtained by a deep-deterministic-policy-gradient-based (DDPG) RL algorithm. Then, the proposed controller gives the sequential joint signals, so that the robot manipulator can respond to the desired state quickly. Finally, appropriate comparative simulation experiments are developed to illustrate the efficacy and stability of the suggested strategy.

Multi-objective predictive control based on the cutting tobacco outlet moisture priority

In this paper, we propose a new priority multi-objective optimization strategy of system output variables in cutting tobacco process. The proposed strategy focuses on the cutting tobacco moisture-controlled output variables optimization in feasible regions with two levels according to the priority. This study aims to provide a novel technical support for the chemical industry contained drying process. In order to alleviate the lack of degree of freedom of the system, strict set-point control is given, meanwhile, other output variables adopt zone control. Firstly, the system control output variables are optimized in ascending order of priority. Secondly, the specific lower-level target constraints are first relaxed. Finally, the relaxation of other high-priority target constraints is stopped when the optimization is feasible. Thus, the system control output variables move along the optimal target trajectory. From the perspective of practical application of engineering, under the condition of disturbance existing in the cutting tobacco drying process, the simulation shows that the proposed approach has good robustness when there is disturbance, and the previous method cannot meet the control requirement. The proposed strategy meanwhile has better tracking effect through single and multiple output variables simulation, which compared with traditional predictive control in real cutting tobacco drying process.

System Identification and Controller Design of a Novel Autonomous Underwater Vehicle

Autonomous underwater vehicle is an effective tool for humans to explore the ocean. It can be used for the monitoring of underwater structures and facilities, which puts forward more accurate and stable requirements for the system operation of the autonomous underwater vehicle. This paper studies the system and structural design, including the parameter identification design and control system design, of a novel autonomous underwater vehicle called “Arctic AUV”. The dynamic mathematical model of the “Arctic AUV” was established, and the system parameter identification method based on the multi-sensor least squares centralized fusion algorithm was proposed. The simplification of the mathematical model of the robot was theoretically derived, and the online parameter identification and motion control were combined, so that the robot could cope with the influence of the arctic water velocity and external turbulence. Based on the hybrid control scheme of adaptive PID and predictive control, the accurate motion control of the “Arctic AUV” was realized. A prototype of “Arctic AUV” was developed, and system parameter identification experiments were carried out in indoor pool water. Hybrid adaptive and predictive control experiments were also carried out. The validity of the parametric design method in this paper was verified, and by comparative experiment, the effect of the control method proposed in this paper was better than the traditional method.

Development of Deterministic Artificial Intelligence for Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUV)

The major premise of deterministic artificial intelligence (D.A.I.) is to assert deterministic self-awareness statements based in either the physics of the underlying problem or system identification to establish governing differential equations. The key distinction between D.A.I. and ubiquitous stochastic methods for artificial intelligence is the adoption of first principles whenever able (in every instance available). One benefit of applying artificial intelligence principles over ubiquitous methods is the ease of the approach once the re-parameterization is derived, as done here. While the method is deterministic, researchers need only understand linear regression to understand the optimality of both self-awareness and learning. The approach necessitates full (autonomous) expression of a desired trajectory. Inspired by the exponential solution of ordinary differential equations and Euler’s expression of exponential solutions in terms of sinusoidal functions, desired trajectories will be formulated using such functions. Deterministic self-awareness statements, using the autonomous expression of desired trajectories with buoyancy control neglected, are asserted to control underwater vehicles in ideal cases only, while application to real-world deleterious effects is reserved for future study due to the length of this manuscript. In totality, the proposed methodology automates control and learning merely necessitating very simple user inputs, namely desired initial and final states and desired initial and final time, while tuning is eliminated completely.