Adaptive Control of Robotic Manipulators using Deep Neural Networks

In this paper, we present a lifelong deep learning-based control of robotic manipulators with nonstandard adaptive laws using singular value decomposition (SVD) based direct tracking error driven (DTED) approach. Moreover, we incorporate concurrent learning (CL) to relax persistency of excitation condition and elastic weight consolidation (EWC) for lifelong learning on different tasks in the adaptive laws. Simulation results confirm theoretical conclusions

Sensorless Control of Electric Motors with Kalman Filters: Applications to Robotic and Industrial Systems

The paper studies sensorless control for DC and induction motors, using Kalman Filtering techniques. First the case of a DC motor is considered and Kalman Filter-based control is implemented. Next the nonlinear model of a field-oriented induction motor is examined and the motor's angular velocity is estimated by an Extended Kalman Filter which processes measurements of the rotor's angle. Sensorless control of the induction motor is again implemented through feedback of the estimated state vector. Additionally, a state estimation-based control loop is implemented using the Unscented Kalman Filter. Moreover, state estimation-based control is developed for the induction motor model using a nonlinear flatness-based controller and the state estimation that is provided by the Extended Kalman Filter. Unlike field oriented control, in the latter approach there is no assumption about decoupling between the rotor speed dynamics and the magnetic flux dynamics. The efficiency of the Kalman Filter-based control schemes, for both the DC and induction motor models, is evaluated through simulation experiments

Control Of Rigid Robots With Large Uncertainties Using The Function Approximation Technique

This dissertation focuses on the control of rigid robots that cannot easily be modeled due to complexity and large uncertainties. The function approximation technique (FAT), which represents uncertainties as finite linear combinations of orthonormal basis functions, provides an alternate form of robot control - in situations where the dynamic equation cannot easily be modeled - with no dependency on the use of model information or training data. This dissertation has four aims - using the FAT - to improve controller efficiency and robustness in scenarios where reliable mathematical models cannot easily be derived or are otherwise unavailable. The first aim is to analyze the uncertain combination of a test robot and prosthesis in a scenario where the test robot and prosthesis are adequately controlled by different controllers - this is tied to efficiency. We develop a hybrid FAT controller, theoretically prove stability, and verify its performance using computer simulations. We show that systematically combining controllers can improve controller analysis and yield desired performance. In the second aim addressed in this dissertation, we investigate the simplification of the adaptive FAT controller complexity for ease of implementation - this is tied to efficiency. We achieve this by applying the passivity property and prove controller stability. We conduct computer simulations on a rigid robot under good and poor initial conditions to demonstrate the effectiveness of the controller. For an n degrees of freedom (DOFs) robot, we see a reduction of controller tuning parameters by 2n. The third aim addressed in this dissertation is the extension of the adaptive FAT controller to the robust control framework - this is tied to robustness. We invent a novel robust controller based on the FAT that uses continuous switching laws and eliminates the dependency on update laws. The controller, when compared against three state-of-the-art controllers via computer simulations and experimental tests on a rigid robot, shows good performance and robustness to fast time-varying uncertainties and random parameter perturbations. This introduces the first purely robust FAT-based controller. The fourth and final aim addressed in this dissertation is the development of a more compact form of the robust FAT controller developed in aim~3 - this is tied to efficiency and robustness. We investigate the simplification of the control structure and its applicability to a broader class of systems that can be modeled via the state-space approach. Computer simulations and experimental tests on a rigid robot demonstrate good controller performance and robustness to fast time-varying uncertainties and random parameter perturbations when compared to the robust FAT controller developed in aim 3. For an n-DOF robot, we see a reduction in the number of switching laws from 3 to 1

Semiactive Virtual Control Method for Robots with Regenerative Energy-Storing Joints

A framework for modeling and control is introduced for robotic manipulators with a number of energetically self-contained semiactive joints. The control approach consists of three steps. First, a virtual control design is conducted by any suitable means, assuming a fully-actuated system. Then, virtual control inputs are matched by a parameter modulation law. Finally, the storage dynamics are shaped using design parameters. Storage dynamics coincide with the system\u27s internal dynamics under exact virtual control matching. An internal energy balance equation and associated self-powered operation condition are given for the semiactive joints. This condition is a structural characteristic of the system and independent of the control law. Moreover, the internal energy balance equation is independent of the energy storage parameter (capacitance), which adds flexibility to the approach. An external energy balance equation is also given that can be used to calculate the work required from the active joints. A simulation example using a 3-dof prosthesis test robot illustrates the concepts

Advanced Strategies for Robot Manipulators

Amongst the robotic systems, robot manipulators have proven themselves to be of increasing importance and are widely adopted to substitute for human in repetitive and/or hazardous tasks. Modern manipulators are designed complicatedly and need to do more precise, crucial and critical tasks. So, the simple traditional control methods cannot be efficient, and advanced control strategies with considering special constraints are needed to establish. In spite of the fact that groundbreaking researches have been carried out in this realm until now, there are still many novel aspects which have to be explored

Application of wavelet networks to adaptive control of robotic manipulators

Published version of a chapter in the book: Intelligent Robotics and Applications. Also available from the publisher at; http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-25489-5_39In this paper, a wavelet-based adaptive control is proposed for a class of robotic manipulators, which consist of nonlinearities for friction effects and uncertain terms as disturbances. The controller is calculated by using a mixed of feedback linearization technique, supervisory control and H∞ control. In addition, the parameter adaptive laws of the wavelet network are developed using a Lyapunov-based design. It is also shown that both system tracking stability and convergence of the error estimation can be guaranteed in the closed-loop system. Simulation results on a three-link robot manipulator show the satisfactory performance of the proposed control schemes even in the presence of large modeling uncertainties and external disturbances