Dual Mode Control of an Inverted Pendulum: Design, Analysis and Experimental Evaluation

We present an inverted pendulum design using readily available V-slot rail components and 3D printing to construct custom parts. To enable the examination of different pendulum characteristics, we constructed three pendulum poles of different lengths. We implemented a brake mechanism to modify sliding friction resistance and built a paddle that can be attached to the ends of the pendulum poles. A testing rig was also developed to consistently apply disturbances by tapping the pendulum pole, characterizing balancing performance. We perform a comprehensive analysis of the behavior and control of the pendulum. This begins by considering its dynamics, including the nonlinear differential equation that describes the system, its linearization, and its representation in the s-domain. The primary focus of this work is the development of two distinct control modes for the pendulum: a velocity control mode, designed to balance the pendulum while the cart is in motion, and a position control mode, aimed at maintaining the pendulum cart at a specific location. For this, we derived two different state space models: one for implementing the velocity control mode and another for the position control mode. In the position control mode, integral action applied to the cart position ensures that the inverted pendulum remains balanced and maintains its desired position on the rail. For both models, linear observer-based state feedback controllers were implemented. The control laws are designed as linear quadratic regulators (LQR), and the systems are simulated in MATLAB. To actuate the physical pendulum system, a stepper motor was used, and its controller was assembled in a DIN rail panel to simplify the integration of all necessary components. We examined how the optimized performance, achieved with the medium-length pendulum pole, translates to poles of other lengths. Our findings reveal distinct behavioral differences between the control modes

A two-wheeled machine with a handling mechanism in two different directions

Despite the fact that there are various configurations of self-balanced two-wheeled machines (TWMs), the workspace of such systems is restricted by their current configurations and designs. In this work, the dynamic analysis of a novel configuration of TWMs is introduced that enables handling a payload attached to the intermediate body (IB) in two mutually perpendicular directions. This configuration will enlarge the workspace of the vehicle and increase its flexibility in material handling, objects assembly and similar industrial and service robot applications. The proposed configuration gains advantages of the design of serial arms while occupying a minimum space which is unique feature of TWMs. The proposed machine has five degrees of freedoms (DOFs) that can be useful for industrial applications such as pick and place, material handling and packaging. This machine will provide an advantage over other TWMs in terms of the wider workspace and the increased flexibility in service and industrial applications. Furthermore, the proposed design will add additional challenge of controlling the system to compensate for the change of the location of the COM due to performing tasks of handling in multiple directions

A Multivariable Adaptive Control Approach for Stabilization of a Cart-Type Double Inverted Pendulum

This paper considers the design and practical implementation of linear-based controllers for a cart-type double inverted pendulum (DIPC). A constitution of two linked pendulums placed on a sliding cart, presenting a three Degrees of Freedom and single controlling input structure. The controller objective is to keep both pendulums in an up-up unstable equilibrium point. Modeling is based on the Euler-Lagrange equations, and the resulted nonlinear model is linearized around up-up position. First, the LQR method is used to stabilize DIPC by a feedback gain matrix in order to minimize a quadratic cost function. Without using an observer to estimate the unmeasured states, in the next step we make use of LQG controller which combines the Kalman-Bucy filter estimation and LQR feedback control to obtain a better steady-state performance, but poor robustness. Eventually, to overcome the unknown nonlinear model parameters, an adaptive controller is designed. This controller is based on Model Reference Adaptive System (MRAS) method, which uses the Lyapunov function to eliminate the defined state error. This controller improves both the steady-state and disturbance responses

Combining Passivity-Based Control and Linear Quadratic Regulator to Control a Rotary Inverted Pendulum

In this manuscript, new combination methodology is proposed, which named combining Passivity-Based Control and Linear Quadratic Regulator (for short, CPBC-LQR), to support the stabilization process as the system is far from equilibrium point. More precisely, Linear Quadratic Regulator (for short, LQR) is used together with Passivity-Based Control (for short, PBC) controller. Though passivity-based control and linear quadratic regulator are two control methods, it is possible to integrate them together. The combination of passivity-based control and linear quadratic regulator is analyzed, designed and implemented on so-called rotary inverted pendulum system (for short, RIP). In this work, CPBC-LQR is validated and discussed on both MATLAB/Simulink environment and real-time experimental setup. The numerical simulation and experimental results reveal the ability of CPBC-LQR control scheme in stabilization problem and achieve a good and stable performance. Effectiveness and feasibility of proposed controller are confirmed via comparative simulation and experiments