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Article
Publication date: 13 April 2020

Qun Shi, Wangda Ying, Lei Lv and Jiajun Xie

This paper aims to present an intelligent motion attitude control algorithm, which is used to solve the poor precision problems of motion-manipulation control and the problems of…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present an intelligent motion attitude control algorithm, which is used to solve the poor precision problems of motion-manipulation control and the problems of motion balance of humanoid robots. Aiming at the problems of a few physical training samples and low efficiency, this paper proposes an offline pre-training of the attitude controller using the identification model as a priori knowledge of online training in the real physical environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The deep reinforcement learning (DRL) of continuous motion and continuous state space is applied to motion attitude control of humanoid robots and the robot motion intelligent attitude controller is constructed. Combined with the stability analysis of the training process and control process, the stability constraints of the training process and control process are established and the correctness of the constraints is demonstrated in the experiment.

Findings

Comparing with the proportion integration differentiation (PID) controller, PID + MPC controller and MPC + DOB controller in the humanoid robots environment transition walking experiment, the standard deviation of the tracking error of robots’ upper body pitch attitude trajectory under the control of the intelligent attitude controller is reduced by 60.37 per cent, 44.17 per cent and 26.58 per cent.

Originality/value

Using an intelligent motion attitude control algorithm to deal with the strong coupling nonlinear problem in biped robots walking can simplify the control process. The offline pre-training of the attitude controller using the identification model as a priori knowledge of online training in the real physical environment makes up the problems of a few physical training samples and low efficiency. The result of using the theory described in this paper shows the performance of the motion-manipulation control precision and motion balance of humanoid robots and provides some inspiration for the application of using DRL in biped robots walking attitude control.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 47 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 17 September 2020

Tao Peng, Xingliang Liu, Rui Fang, Ronghui Zhang, Yanwei Pang, Tao Wang and Yike Tong

This study aims to develop an automatic lane-change mechanism on highways for self-driving articulated trucks to improve traffic safety.

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to develop an automatic lane-change mechanism on highways for self-driving articulated trucks to improve traffic safety.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors proposed a novel safety lane-change path planning and tracking control method for articulated vehicles. A double-Gaussian distribution was introduced to deduce the lane-change trajectories of tractor and trailer coupling characteristics of intelligent vehicles and roads. With different steering and braking maneuvers, minimum safe distances were modeled and calculated. Considering safety and ergonomics, the authors invested multilevel self-driving modes that serve as the basis of decision-making for vehicle lane-change. Furthermore, a combined controller was designed by feedback linearization and single-point preview optimization to ensure the path tracking and robust stability. Specialized hardware in the loop simulation platform was built to verify the effectiveness of the designed method.

Findings

The numerical simulation results demonstrated the path-planning model feasibility and controller-combined decision mechanism effectiveness to self-driving trucks. The proposed trajectory model could provide safety lane-change path planning, and the designed controller could ensure good tracking and robust stability for the closed-loop nonlinear system.

Originality/value

This is a fundamental research of intelligent local path planning and automatic control for articulated vehicles. There are two main contributions: the first is a more quantifiable trajectory model for self-driving articulated vehicles, which provides the opportunity to adapt vehicle and scene changes. The second involves designing a feedback linearization controller, combined with a multi-objective decision-making mode, to improve the comprehensive performance of intelligent vehicles. This study provides a valuable reference to develop advanced driving assistant system and intelligent control systems for self-driving articulated vehicles.

Details

Journal of Intelligent and Connected Vehicles, vol. 3 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2399-9802

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 March 2018

Isil Yazar, Emre Kiyak, Fikret Caliskan and T. Hikmet Karakoc

This paper aims to present a nonlinear mathematical model of a small-scale turbojet aeroengine and also a speed controller design that is conducted for the constructed nonlinear…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present a nonlinear mathematical model of a small-scale turbojet aeroengine and also a speed controller design that is conducted for the constructed nonlinear mathematical model.

Design/methodology/approach

In the nonlinear mathematical model of the turbojet engine, temperature, rotational speed, mass flow, pressure and other parameters are generated using thermodynamic equations (e.g. mass, energy and momentum conservation laws) and some algebraic equations. In calculation of the performance parameters, adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) method is preferred in related components. All calculated values from the mathematical model are then compared with the cycle data of the turbojet engine. Because of the single variable control need and effect of noise factor, modified proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller is treated for speed control. For whole operation envelope, various PID structures are designed individually, according to the operating points. These controller structures are then combined via gain-scheduling approach and integrated to the nonlinear engine model. Simulations are performed on MATLAB/Simulink environment for design and off-design operating points between idle to maximum thrust levels.

Findings

The cascade structure (proposed nonlinear engine aero-thermal model and speed controller) is simulated and tested at various operating points of the engine and for different transient conditions. Simulation results show that the transitions between the operating points are found successfully. Furthermore, the controller is effective for steady-state load changes. It is suggested to be used in real-time engine applications.

Research limitations/implications

Because of limited data, only speed control is treated and simulated.

Practical implications

It can be used as an application in the industry easily.

Originality/value

First point of novelty in the paper is in calculation of the performance parameters of compressor and turbine components. ANFIS method is preferred to predict performance parameters in related components. Second novelty in the paper can be seen in speed controller design part. Because of the single variable control need and effect of noise factor, modified PID is treated.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 90 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 November 2021

Muharrem Selim Can and Hamdi Ercan

This study aims to develop a quadrotor with a robust control system against weight variations. A Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller based on Particle Swarm…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to develop a quadrotor with a robust control system against weight variations. A Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller based on Particle Swarm Optimization and Differential Evaluation to tune the parameters of PID has been implemented with real-time simulations of the quadrotor.

Design/methodology/approach

The optimization algorithms are combined with the PID control mechanism of the quadrotor to increase the performance of the trajectory tracking for a quadrotor. The dynamical model of the quadrotor is derived by using Newton-Euler equations.

Findings

In this study, the most efficient control parameters of the quadrotor are selected using evolutionary optimization algorithms in real-time simulations. The control parameters of PID directly affect the controller’s performance that position error and stability improved by tuning the parameters. Therefore, the optimization algorithms can be used to improve the trajectory tracking performance of the quadrotor.

Practical implications

The online optimization result showed that evolutionary algorithms improve the performance of the trajectory tracking of the quadrotor.

Originality/value

This study states the design of an optimized controller compared with manually tuned controller methods. Fitness functions are defined as a custom fitness function (overshoot, rise-time, settling-time and steady-state error), mean-square-error, root-mean-square-error and sum-square-error. In addition, all the simulations are performed based on a realistic simulation environment. Furthermore, the optimization process of the parameters is implemented in real-time that the proposed controller searches better parameters with real-time simulations and finds the optimal parameter online.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 94 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 1999

Robert W. Brennan and Behzad Foroughi

This paper is concerned with reducing the barriers imposed on the flexibility and responsiveness of automated manufacturing systems by current control software technology. The…

Abstract

This paper is concerned with reducing the barriers imposed on the flexibility and responsiveness of automated manufacturing systems by current control software technology. The general question that is addressed by this research is, how can insights be gained from the manufacturing system that can assist the control system in meeting this goal of responsive behavior? The approach that is taken is to investigate appropriate means of integrating available manufacturing system information into the control system. A framework for integrating status information to control an automated assembly line is introduced that combines both transient information (e.g. station queue length) and steady‐state information (e.g. station gradient estimates) obtained by observing the operation of the assembly line. It is shown that, through the use of an appropriately designed fuzzy‐logic controller (FLC), the combined information results in flow time performance superior to that achieved using the transient or steady‐state measures individually.

Details

International Journal of Agile Management Systems, vol. 1 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1465-4652

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 July 2020

Sonalika Mishra, Suchismita Patel, Ramesh Chandra Prusty and Sidhartha Panda

This paper aims to implement a maiden methodology for load frequency control of an AC multi micro-grid (MG) by using hybrid fractional order fuzzy PID (FOFPID) controller and…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to implement a maiden methodology for load frequency control of an AC multi micro-grid (MG) by using hybrid fractional order fuzzy PID (FOFPID) controller and linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG).

Design/methodology/approach

The multi MG system considered is consisting of photovoltaic, wind turbine and a synchronous generator. Different energy storage devices i.e. battery energy storage system and flywheel energy storage system are also integrated to the system. The renewable energy sources suffer from uncertainty and fluctuation from their nominal values, which results in fluctuation of system frequency. Inspired by this difficulty in MG control, this research paper proposes a hybridized FOFPID and LQG controller under random and stochastic environments. Again to confer viability of proposed controller its performances are compared with PID, fuzzy PID and fuzzy PID-LQG controllers. A comparative study among all implemented techniques i.e. proposed multi-verse optimization (MVO) algorithm, particle swarm optimization and genetic algorithm has been done to justify the supremacy of MVO algorithm. To check the robustness of the controller sensitivity analysis is done.

Findings

The merged concept of fractional calculus and state feedback theory is found to be efficient. The designed controller is found to be capable of rejecting the effect of disturbances present in the system.

Originality/value

From the study, the authors observed that the proposed hybrid FOPID and LQG controller is robust hence, there is no need to reset the controller parameters with a large change in network parameters.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. 17 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 April 2013

Arief P. Tjahyono, Kean C. Aw, Harish Devaraj, Wisnu Surendra, Enrico Haemmerle and Jadranka Travas‐Sejdic

The purpose of this paper is to review the challenges present in the development of hand exoskeletons powered by pneumatic artificial muscles. This paper also presents the…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the challenges present in the development of hand exoskeletons powered by pneumatic artificial muscles. This paper also presents the development of a novel strain sensor and its application in a five‐fingered hand exoskeleton.

Design/methodology/approach

The issues of current hand exoskeletons powered by pneumatic artificial muscles are examined by studying the artificial muscles and the human hand anatomy. Traditional sensors are no longer suitable for applications in hand exoskeletons. A novel strain sensor was developed by depositing a conducting polymer called polypyrrole onto a natural rubber substrate through vapor phase polymerization and is used in the authors' five‐fingered hand exoskeleton.

Findings

The error of measurements from the polypyrrole strain sensor in controlling the actuation of pneumatic artificial muscles is within 1.5 mm. The small physical size and weight of the novel polypyrrole strain sensor also helped to keep the exoskeleton's profile (less than 20 mm) and total weight low (<1 kg).

Originality/value

The novel strain sensor allows the realization of hand exoskeletons that are lightweight, portable and low profile. This improves the comfort and practicality of hand exoskeletons to allow their usage outside the research environment.

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 40 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 1997

Jakob Stoustrup, M.J. Grimble and Henrik Niemann

Considers control systems operating under potentially faulty conditions. Discusses the problem of designing a single unit which not only handles the required control action but…

Abstract

Considers control systems operating under potentially faulty conditions. Discusses the problem of designing a single unit which not only handles the required control action but also identifies faults occurring in actuators and sensors. In common practice, units for control and for diagnosis are designed separately. Attempts to identify situations in which this is a reasonable approach and cases in which the design of each unit should take the other into consideration. Presents a complete characterization for each case and gives systematic design procedures for both the integrated and non‐integrated design of control and diagnosis units. Shows how a combined module for control and diagnosis can be designed which is able to follow references and reject disturbances robustly, control the system so that undetected faults do not have disastrous effects, reduce the number of false alarms and identify which faults have occurred.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 17 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 March 2024

Ziyuan Ma, Huajun Gong and Xinhua Wang

The purpose of this paper is to construct an event-triggered finite-time fault-tolerant formation tracking controller, which can achieve a time-varying formation control for…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to construct an event-triggered finite-time fault-tolerant formation tracking controller, which can achieve a time-varying formation control for multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) during actuator failures and external perturbations.

Design/methodology/approach

First, this study developed the formation tracking protocol for each follower using UAV formation members, defining the tracking inaccuracy of the UAV followers’ location. Subsequently, this study designed the multilayer event-triggered controller based on the backstepping method framework within finite time. Then, considering the actuator failures, and added self-adaptive thought for fault-tolerant control within finite time, the event-triggered closed-loop system is subsequently shown to be a finite-time stable system. Furthermore, the Zeno behavior is analyzed to prevent infinite triggering instances within a finite time. Finally, simulations are conducted with external disturbances and actuator failure conditions to demonstrate formation tracking controller performance.

Findings

It achieves improved performance in the presence of external disturbances and system failures. Combining limited-time adaptive control and event triggering improves system stability, increase robustness to disturbances and calculation efficiency. In addition, the designed formation tracking controller can effectively control the time-varying formation of the leader and followers to complete the task, and by adding a fixed-time observer, it can effectively compensate for external disturbances and improve formation control accuracy.

Originality/value

A formation-following controller is designed, which can handle both external disturbances and internal actuator failures during formation flight, and the proposed method can be applied to a variety of formation control scenarios and does not rely on a specific type of UAV or communication network.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 96 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 May 2021

Yuexin Zhang, Lihui Wang and Yaodong Liu

To reduce the effect of parameter uncertainties and input saturation on path tracking control for autonomous combine harvester, a path tracking controller is proposed, which…

Abstract

Purpose

To reduce the effect of parameter uncertainties and input saturation on path tracking control for autonomous combine harvester, a path tracking controller is proposed, which integrates an adaptive neural network estimator and a saturation-aided system.

Design/methodology/approach

First, to analyze and compensate the influence of external factors, the vehicle model is established combining a dynamic model and a kinematic model. Meanwhile, to make the model simple, a comprehensive error is used, weighting heading error and position error simultaneously. Second, an adaptive neural network estimator is presented to calculate uncertain parameters which eventually improve the dynamic model. Then, the path tracking controller based on the improved dynamic model is designed by using the backstepping method, and its stability is proved by the Lyapunov theorem. Third, to mitigate round-trip operation of the actuator due to input saturation, a saturation-aided variable is presented during the control design process.

Findings

To verify the tracking accuracy and environmental adaptability of the proposed controller, numerical simulations are carried out under three different cases, and field experiments are performed in harvesting wheat and paddy. The experimental results demonstrate the tracking errors of the proposed controller that are reduced by more than 28% with contrast to the conventional controllers.

Originality/value

An adaptive neural network-based path tracking control is proposed, which considers both parameter uncertainties and input saturation. As far as we know, this is the first time a path tracking controller is specifically designed for the combine harvester with full consideration of working characteristics.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 48 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

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