Extremum Seeking-based Iterative Learning Linear MPC

In this work we study the problem of adaptive MPC for linear time-invariant uncertain models. We assume linear models with parametric uncertainties, and propose an iterative multi-variable extremum seeking (MES)-based learning MPC algorithm to learn on-line the uncertain parameters and update the MPC model. We show the effectiveness of this algorithm on a DC servo motor control example.Comment: To appear at the IEEE MSC 201

Multi-Parametric Extremum Seeking-based Auto-Tuning for Robust Input-Output Linearization Control

We study in this paper the problem of iterative feedback gains tuning for a class of nonlinear systems. We consider Input-Output linearizable nonlinear systems with additive uncertainties. We first design a nominal Input-Output linearization-based controller that ensures global uniform boundedness of the output tracking error dynamics. Then, we complement the robust controller with a model-free multi-parametric extremum seeking (MES) control to iteratively auto-tune the feedback gains. We analyze the stability of the whole controller, i.e. robust nonlinear controller plus model-free learning algorithm. We use numerical tests to demonstrate the performance of this method on a mechatronics example.Comment: To appear at the IEEE CDC 201

Decision Making for Rapid Information Acquisition in the Reconnaissance of Random Fields

Research into several aspects of robot-enabled reconnaissance of random fields is reported. The work has two major components: the underlying theory of information acquisition in the exploration of unknown fields and the results of experiments on how humans use sensor-equipped robots to perform a simulated reconnaissance exercise. The theoretical framework reported herein extends work on robotic exploration that has been reported by ourselves and others. Several new figures of merit for evaluating exploration strategies are proposed and compared. Using concepts from differential topology and information theory, we develop the theoretical foundation of search strategies aimed at rapid discovery of topological features (locations of critical points and critical level sets) of a priori unknown differentiable random fields. The theory enables study of efficient reconnaissance strategies in which the tradeoff between speed and accuracy can be understood. The proposed approach to rapid discovery of topological features has led in a natural way to to the creation of parsimonious reconnaissance routines that do not rely on any prior knowledge of the environment. The design of topology-guided search protocols uses a mathematical framework that quantifies the relationship between what is discovered and what remains to be discovered. The quantification rests on an information theory inspired model whose properties allow us to treat search as a problem in optimal information acquisition. A central theme in this approach is that "conservative" and "aggressive" search strategies can be precisely defined, and search decisions regarding "exploration" vs. "exploitation" choices are informed by the rate at which the information metric is changing.Comment: 34 pages, 20 figure

Settling Time Optimization in Wire Bonder Systems Via Extremum-Seeking Control

Adequate tuning of control laws is essential for high positioning accuracy, large system throughput, and reliability in high-end mechatronic and robotic systems. However, a population of such systems generally shows slight variations in dynamic responses due to, e.g., manufacturing tolerances, different disturbance situations, or position-dependent dynamics. Given the time-consuming nature of controller design, even by experienced control engineers, typically just one control law is designed for the whole system population based on worst-case bounds on variations in dynamic responses, resulting in a loss of individual system performance. The main contribution of this paper is the development of an automated controller tuning approach, based on extremum-seeking control, for settling time optimization via individual controller tuning. While other automated controller tuning methods exist, the developed approach allows inclusion of closed-loop stability and robustness constraints based solely on non-parametric frequency-response measurements of open-loop plant dynamics, and therewith directly optimizes transient system performance in a purely data-based manner. The proposed approach has been applied in simulation in an industrial case study for settling time optimization in point-to-point motions of a wire bonder system. In this case study, the effectiveness of the approach has been shown by achieving significant performance increases of 39.4% and 40.6% compared to controllers designed by experienced control engineers using manual loop-shaping techniques and a frequency-based auto-tuner, respectively, without needing manual tuning effort

Model-Guided Data-Driven Optimization and Control for Internal Combustion Engine Systems

The incorporation of electronic components into modern Internal Combustion, IC, engine systems have facilitated the reduction of fuel consumption and emission from IC engine operations. As more mechanical functions are being replaced by electric or electronic devices, the IC engine systems are becoming more complex in structure. Sophisticated control strategies are called in to help the engine systems meet the drivability demands and to comply with the emission regulations. Different model-based or data-driven algorithms have been applied to the optimization and control of IC engine systems. For the conventional model-based algorithms, the accuracy of the applied system models has a crucial impact on the quality of the feedback system performance. With computable analytic solutions and a good estimation of the real physical processes, the model-based control embedded systems are able to achieve good transient performances. However, the analytic solutions of some nonlinear models are difficult to obtain. Even if the solutions are available, because of the presence of unavoidable modeling uncertainties, the model-based controllers are designed conservatively