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Keywords = sliding mode

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15 pages, 5053 KB  
Article
Master Cylinder Pressure Control Based on Piecewise-SMC in Electro-Hydraulic Brake System
by Cong Liang, Xing Xu, Hui Deng, Chuanlin He, Long Chen and Yan Wang
Actuators 2025, 14(9), 416; https://doi.org/10.3390/act14090416 (registering DOI) - 24 Aug 2025
Abstract
This paper focuses on enhancing master cylinder pressure control in pressure-sensorless Electro-Hydraulic Brake (EHB) systems. A novel control strategy is developed, integrating a Piecewise Sliding Mode Controller (Piecewise-SMC) with an Extended Sliding Mode Observer (ESMO) based on a newly derived pressure–position–velocity model that [...] Read more.
This paper focuses on enhancing master cylinder pressure control in pressure-sensorless Electro-Hydraulic Brake (EHB) systems. A novel control strategy is developed, integrating a Piecewise Sliding Mode Controller (Piecewise-SMC) with an Extended Sliding Mode Observer (ESMO) based on a newly derived pressure–position–velocity model that accounts for rack position and velocity effects. To handle external disturbances and parameter uncertainties, the ESMO provides accurate pressure estimation. The nonlinear EHB model is approximated piecewise linearly to facilitate controller design. The proposed Piecewise-SMC regulates motor torque to achieve precise pressure tracking. Experimental validation under step-change braking conditions demonstrates that the Piecewise-SMC reduces response time by 31.8%, overshoot by 35.8%, and tracking root mean square error by 9.6% compared to traditional SMC, confirming its effectiveness and robustness for pressure-sensorless EHB applications. Full article
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23 pages, 5063 KB  
Article
Hippopotamus Optimization-Sliding Mode Control-Based Frequency Tracking Method for Ultrasonic Power Supplies with a T-Type Matching Network
by Linzuan Ye and Huafeng Cai
Electronics 2025, 14(17), 3358; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14173358 - 24 Aug 2025
Abstract
The ultrasonic power supply constitutes the core component of an ultrasonic welding system, and its main function is to convert the industrial frequency electricity into resonant high-frequency electricity in order to achieve mechanical energy conversion. However, factors such as changes in ambient temperature [...] Read more.
The ultrasonic power supply constitutes the core component of an ultrasonic welding system, and its main function is to convert the industrial frequency electricity into resonant high-frequency electricity in order to achieve mechanical energy conversion. However, factors such as changes in ambient temperature or component aging may cause the resonant frequency of the transducer to drift, thus detuning the resonant system and seriously affecting system performance. Therefore, an ultrasonic welding system requires high-frequency tracking in real time. Traditional frequency tracking methods (such as acoustic tracking, PID control, etc.) have defects such as poor stability, narrow bandwidth, or cumbersome parameter setting, making it difficult to meet the demand for fast tracking. To address these problems, this study adopts a T-matching network and utilizes sliding mode control for frequency tracking. In order to solve the problems of slow convergence and obvious jitter in sliding mode control (SMC), a Hippopotamus Optimization (HO) algorithm is introduced to simulate hippopotamuses’ group behavior and predation mechanisms, thereby optimizing the control parameters. It is verified through simulation that the SMC algorithm optimized by the HO algorithm (HO-SMC) is able to suppress frequency drift more effectively and demonstrates the advantages of fast response, high accuracy, and strong robustness in the scenario of sudden load changes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Intelligent Methodologies for Power Electronic Converters)
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24 pages, 3857 KB  
Article
Design of a Brushless DC Motor Drive System Controller Integrating the Zebra Optimization Algorithm and Sliding Mode Theory
by Kuei-Hsiang Chao, Kuo-Hua Huang and Yu-Hong Guo
Electronics 2025, 14(17), 3353; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14173353 - 22 Aug 2025
Viewed by 213
Abstract
This paper presents a novel speed controller design for a brushless DC motor (BLDCM) operating under field-oriented control (FOC). The proposed speed controller is developed by integrating the zebra optimization algorithm (ZOA) with sliding mode theory (SMT). In this approach, the parameter ranges [...] Read more.
This paper presents a novel speed controller design for a brushless DC motor (BLDCM) operating under field-oriented control (FOC). The proposed speed controller is developed by integrating the zebra optimization algorithm (ZOA) with sliding mode theory (SMT). In this approach, the parameter ranges of the sliding mode dynamic trajectory control gain, exponential reaching gain, and constant speed reaching gain—three key components of the exponential reaching law-based sliding mode controller (ERLSMC)—are defined as the research space for the ZOA. The feedback speed error and its rate of change are used as features to calculate the fitness value. Subsequently, the fitness value computed by the algorithm is compared with the current best fitness value to determine the optimal position coordinates. These coordinates correspond to the optimal set of gain parameters for the sliding mode speed controller. During the operation of the BLDCM, these optimized parameters are applied to the controller in real time. This enables the system to adjust the three gain parameters dynamically under different operating conditions, thereby reducing the overshoot commonly induced by the ERLSMC. As a result, the speed response of the BLDCM drive system can more accurately and rapidly track the speed command. Therefore, the proposed control strategy is not only characterized by a small number of parameters and ease of tuning, but also does not require large datasets for training, making it highly practical and easy to implement. Finally, the proposed control strategy is simulated using Matlab/Simulink (2024b version) and applied to the BLDCM drive system for experimental testing. Its performance is compared against three types of sliding mode controllers employing different reaching laws: the constant speed reaching law, the exponential reaching law, and the exponential reaching law combined with extension theory (ET). Simulation and experimental results confirm that the proposed novel speed controller outperforms the other three sliding mode controllers based on different reaching laws, both in terms of speed command tracking and load regulation response. Full article
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19 pages, 5591 KB  
Article
The Evolution Mechanism and Stability Prediction of the Wanshuitian Landslide, an Oblique-Dip Slope Wedge Landslide in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area
by Chu Xu, Chang Zhou and Wei Huang
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(16), 9194; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15169194 - 21 Aug 2025
Viewed by 202
Abstract
The Zigui Basin, located in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area, has developed numerous landslides due to its interlayering of sandstone and mudstone, geological structure, and reservoir operations. This study identifies a fourth type of landslide failure mode: an oblique-dip slope wedge (OdSW) landslide, [...] Read more.
The Zigui Basin, located in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area, has developed numerous landslides due to its interlayering of sandstone and mudstone, geological structure, and reservoir operations. This study identifies a fourth type of landslide failure mode: an oblique-dip slope wedge (OdSW) landslide, based on the Wanshuitian landslide. Following four heavy rainfall events from 3 to 13 July 2024, this landslide exhibited significant deformation on the 17th and was completely destroyed within 40 min. The dimensions of the landslide were 350 m in length, 160 m in width, and 20 m in thickness, with a volume estimated at 8.0 × 105 m3. The characteristics of landslide deformation and the changes in moisture content within the shallow slide body were ascertained using unmanned aerial vehicles, moisture meters, and mobile phone photography. The landslide was identified to have occurred within the weathered residual layer of mudstone, situated between two sandstone layers, with the eastern boundary defined by an inclined rock layer. Upon transitioning into the accelerated deformation stage, the landslide initially exhibited uniform overall sliding deformation, culminating in accelerated deformation destruction. The dip structure created terrain disparities, resulting in a step-like terrain on the left bank and gentler slopes on the right bank, with interbedded soil and rock in a shallow layer, because the interlayered soft and hard geological conditions caused varied weathering and erosion patterns on the riverbank slopes. The interbedded weak–hard stratum layer fostered the development of the oblique-dip slope wedge landslide. Based on the improved Green–Ampt model, we developed a stability prediction methodology for an oblique-dip slope wedge landslide and determined the rainfall infiltration depth threshold of the Wanshuitian landslide (9.8 m). This study aimed not merely to sharpen the evolution mechanism and stability prediction of the Wanshuitian landslide but also to formulate more effective landslide-monitoring strategies and emergency management measures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Earth Sciences)
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23 pages, 3768 KB  
Article
Research on Mode Transition Control of Power-Split Hybrid Electric Vehicle Based on Fixed Time
by Hongdang Zhang, Hongtu Yang, Fengjiao Zhang, Xuhui Liao and Yanyan Zuo
Energies 2025, 18(16), 4438; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18164438 - 20 Aug 2025
Viewed by 268
Abstract
In this paper, we address the problem of jerk and disturbance suppression during mode transitions in power-split hybrid electric vehicles. First, a transient switching model of the PS-HEV is developed. Next, the mechanisms underlying shock generation and the influence of disturbances on transition [...] Read more.
In this paper, we address the problem of jerk and disturbance suppression during mode transitions in power-split hybrid electric vehicles. First, a transient switching model of the PS-HEV is developed. Next, the mechanisms underlying shock generation and the influence of disturbances on transition smoothness are analyzed. Based on this, a fixed-time dynamic coordinated control strategy is proposed, comprising a novel sliding mode control law and a fixed-time extended state observer. The proposed fixed-time sliding mode control law is independent of initial state values and ensures superior convergence performance. Meanwhile, the fixed-time extended state observer enables real-time estimation of external disturbances, thereby reducing the conservatism of the control law. Finally, simulation and hardware-in-the-loop results demonstrate that the proposed strategy markedly improves mode transition performance under various disturbance scenarios. This work provides a new perspective on hybrid mode transition control and effectively enhances transition smoothness. Full article
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40 pages, 17003 KB  
Article
Marine Predators Algorithm-Based Robust Composite Controller for Enhanced Power Sharing and Real-Time Voltage Stability in DC–AC Microgrids
by Md Saiful Islam, Tushar Kanti Roy and Israt Jahan Bushra
Algorithms 2025, 18(8), 531; https://doi.org/10.3390/a18080531 - 20 Aug 2025
Viewed by 216
Abstract
Hybrid AC/DC microgrids (HADCMGs), which integrate renewable energy sources and battery storage systems, often face significant stability challenges due to their inherently low inertia and highly variable power inputs. To address these issues, this paper proposes a novel, robust composite controller based on [...] Read more.
Hybrid AC/DC microgrids (HADCMGs), which integrate renewable energy sources and battery storage systems, often face significant stability challenges due to their inherently low inertia and highly variable power inputs. To address these issues, this paper proposes a novel, robust composite controller based on backstepping fast terminal sliding mode control (BFTSMC). This controller is further enhanced with a virtual capacitor to emulate synthetic inertia and with a fractional power-based reaching law, which ensures smooth and finite-time convergence. Moreover, the proposed control strategy ensures the effective coordination of power sharing between AC and DC sub-grids through bidirectional converters, thereby maintaining system stability during rapid fluctuations in load or generation. To achieve optimal control performance under diverse and dynamic operating conditions, the controller gains are adaptively tuned using the marine predators algorithm (MPA), a nature-inspired metaheuristic optimization technique. Furthermore, the stability of the closed-loop system is rigorously established through control Lyapunov function analysis. Extensive simulation results conducted in the MATLAB/Simulink environment demonstrate that the proposed controller significantly outperforms conventional methods by eliminating steady-state error, reducing the settling time by up to 93.9%, and minimizing overshoot and undershoot. In addition, real-time performance is validated via processor-in-the-loop (PIL) testing, thereby confirming the controller’s practical feasibility and effectiveness in enhancing the resilience and efficiency of HADCMG operations. Full article
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16 pages, 1362 KB  
Article
A Robust Fuzzy Adaptive Control Scheme for PMSM with Sliding Mode Dynamics
by Guangyu Cao, Zhihan Chen, Daoyuan Wang, Xiujing Zhao and Fanwei Meng
Processes 2025, 13(8), 2635; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13082635 - 20 Aug 2025
Viewed by 167
Abstract
A key trade-off persists in the control of permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs): achieving fast finite-time convergence often exacerbates control chattering, while conventional chattering-suppression methods can compromise the system’s dynamic response. The existing literature often addresses these challenges in isolation. The core original [...] Read more.
A key trade-off persists in the control of permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs): achieving fast finite-time convergence often exacerbates control chattering, while conventional chattering-suppression methods can compromise the system’s dynamic response. The existing literature often addresses these challenges in isolation. The core original contribution of this research lies in proposing a novel robust fuzzy adaptive control scheme that effectively resolves this trade-off through a synergistic design. The contributions are as follows: (1) A novel reaching law is formulated to significantly accelerate error convergence, achieving finite-time stability and improving upon conventional reaching law designs. (2) A super-twisting sliding mode observer is integrated into the control loop, providing accurate real-time estimation of load torque disturbances, which is used for feedforward compensation to drastically improve the system’s disturbance rejection capability. (3) A fuzzy adaptive mechanism is developed to dynamically tune key gains in the sliding mode law. This approach effectively suppresses chattering without sacrificing response speed, enhancing system robustness. (4) The stability and convergence of the proposed controller are rigorously analyzed. Simulations, comparing the proposed method with conventional adaptive sliding mode control (ASMC), demonstrate its marked superiority in control accuracy, transient behavior, and disturbance rejection. This work provides an integrated solution that balances rapidity and smoothness for high-performance motor control, offering significant theoretical and engineering value. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design and Analysis of Adaptive Identification and Control)
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23 pages, 12472 KB  
Article
Fixed-Time Active Disturbance Rejection Temperature–Pressure Decoupling Control for a High-Flow Air Intake System
by Louyue Zhang, Hehong Zhang, Duoqi Shi, Zhihong Dan, Xi Wang, Chao Zhai, Gaoxi Xiao and Zhouzhe Xu
Entropy 2025, 27(8), 880; https://doi.org/10.3390/e27080880 - 20 Aug 2025
Viewed by 145
Abstract
High-flow aeroengine transient tests involve strong coupling and external disturbances, which pose significant challenges for intake environment simulation systems (IESSs). This study proposes a compound control scheme that combines fixed-time active disturbance rejection with static decoupling methods. The scheme integrates a fixed-time sliding-mode [...] Read more.
High-flow aeroengine transient tests involve strong coupling and external disturbances, which pose significant challenges for intake environment simulation systems (IESSs). This study proposes a compound control scheme that combines fixed-time active disturbance rejection with static decoupling methods. The scheme integrates a fixed-time sliding-mode controller (FT-SMC) and a super-twisting fixed-time extended-state observer (ST-FT-ESO). A decoupling transformation separates pressure and temperature dynamics into two independent loops. The observer estimates system states and total disturbances, including residual coupling, while the controller ensures fixed-time convergence. The method is deployed on a real-time programmable logic controller (PLC) and validated through hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulations under representative high-flow scenarios. Compared to conventional linear active disturbance rejection decoupling control (LADRDC), the proposed scheme reduces the absolute integral error (AIE) in pressure and temperature tracking by 71.9% and 77.9%, respectively, and reduces the mean-squared error (MSE) by 46.0% and 41.3%. The settling time improves from over 5 s to under 2 s. These results demonstrate improved tracking accuracy, faster convergence, and enhanced robustness against disturbances. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Complexity)
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12 pages, 808 KB  
Article
Robust Angular Frequency Control of Incommensurate Fractional-Order Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors via State-Sequential Sliding Mode Control
by Guo-Hsin Hu, Chia-Wei Ho and Jun-Juh Yan
Mathematics 2025, 13(16), 2669; https://doi.org/10.3390/math13162669 - 19 Aug 2025
Viewed by 214
Abstract
This paper proposes an innovative state-sequential sliding mode control (SS-SMC) to suppress chaotic behavior and achieve angular frequency control of incommensurate fractional-order permanent magnet synchronous motor (IFOPMSM) systems. The method is designed to handle both input perturbations and mismatched external disturbances. Conventional sliding [...] Read more.
This paper proposes an innovative state-sequential sliding mode control (SS-SMC) to suppress chaotic behavior and achieve angular frequency control of incommensurate fractional-order permanent magnet synchronous motor (IFOPMSM) systems. The method is designed to handle both input perturbations and mismatched external disturbances. Conventional sliding mode control (SMC) is robust to matched uncertainties. However, the use of discontinuous sign functions causes chattering. This reduces control accuracy and overall performance. Many methods have been proposed to reduce chattering. Yet, for IFOPMSMs, achieving both robust stabilization and chattering suppression under mismatched disturbances and input uncertainties remains challenging. To address these issues, this study introduces an SS-SMC strategy that combines a fractional-order integral-type sliding surface with a continuous control law. Unlike conventional SMC methods that rely on discontinuous sign functions, the proposed approach uses a continuous control function. This preserves the robustness of traditional SMC while effectively eliminating chattering. The SS-SMC utilizes state-sequential control, allowing a single input to stabilize all system states sequentially and achieve the control objectives while reducing system complexity. Simulation results and comparative analyses confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method. The findings show that the SS-SMC ensures robust angular frequency regulation of the IFOPMSM and suppresses chattering effectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dynamic Modeling and Simulation for Control Systems, 3rd Edition)
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17 pages, 1917 KB  
Article
Lyapunov-Based Adaptive Sliding Mode Control of DC–DC Boost Converters Under Parametric Uncertainties
by Hamza Sahraoui, Hacene Mellah, Souhil Mouassa, Francisco Jurado and Taieb Bessaad
Machines 2025, 13(8), 734; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines13080734 - 18 Aug 2025
Viewed by 286
Abstract
The increasing demand for high-performance power converters for electric vehicle (EV) applications places a significant emphasis on developing effective and robust control strategies for DC-DC converter operation. This paper deals with the development, simulation, and experimental validation of an adaptive Lyapunov-type Nonlinear Sliding [...] Read more.
The increasing demand for high-performance power converters for electric vehicle (EV) applications places a significant emphasis on developing effective and robust control strategies for DC-DC converter operation. This paper deals with the development, simulation, and experimental validation of an adaptive Lyapunov-type Nonlinear Sliding Mode Control (L-SMC) strategy for a DC–DC boost converter, addressing significant uncertainties caused by large variations in system parameters (R and L) and ensuring the tracking of a voltage reference. The proposed control strategy employs the Lyapunov stability theory to build an adaptive law to update the parameters of the sliding surface so the system can achieve global asymptotic stability in the presence of uncertainty in inductance, capacitance, load resistance, and input voltage. The nonlinear sliding manifold is also considered, which contributes to a more robust and faster convergence in the controller. In addition, a logic optimization technique was implemented that minimizes switching (chattering) operations significantly, and as a result of this, increases ease of implementation. The proposed L-SMC is validated through both simulation and experimental tests under various conditions, including abrupt increases in input voltage and load disturbances. Simulation results demonstrate that, whether under nominal parameters (R = 320 Ω, L = 2.7 mH) or with parameter variations, the voltage overshoot in all cases remains below 0.5%, while the steady-state error stays under 0.4 V except during the startup, which is a transitional phase lasting a very short time. The current responds smoothly to voltage reference and parameter variations, with very insignificant chattering and overshoot. The current remains stable and constant, with a noticeable presence of a peak with each change in the reference voltage, accompanied by relatively small chattering. The simulation and experimental results demonstrate that adaptive L-SMC achieves accurate voltage regulation, a rapid transient response, and reduces chattering, and the simulation and experimental testing show that the proposed controller has a significantly lower steady-state error, which ensures precise and stable voltage regulation with time. Additionally, the system converges faster for the proposed controller at conversion and is stabilized quickly to the adaptation reference state after the drastic and dynamic change in either the input voltage or load, thus minimizing the settling time. The proposed control approach also contributes to saving energy for the application at hand, all in consideration of minimizing losses. Full article
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23 pages, 10351 KB  
Article
Precision Tracking of Industrial Manipulators via Adaptive Nonsingular Fixed-Time Sliding Mode Control
by Anh Tuan Vo, Thanh Nguyen Truong, Ic-Pyo Hong and Hee-Jun Kang
Mathematics 2025, 13(16), 2641; https://doi.org/10.3390/math13162641 - 17 Aug 2025
Viewed by 246
Abstract
This paper presents a novel adaptive fixed-time sliding mode control (AFxTSMC) framework for industrial manipulators. The proposed adaptive reaching law (ARL) enables rapid and stable gain reduction by leveraging the current parameter values to maintain positivity and prevent sign reversals, thereby reducing chattering. [...] Read more.
This paper presents a novel adaptive fixed-time sliding mode control (AFxTSMC) framework for industrial manipulators. The proposed adaptive reaching law (ARL) enables rapid and stable gain reduction by leveraging the current parameter values to maintain positivity and prevent sign reversals, thereby reducing chattering. Additionally, the ARL guarantees fixed-time convergence. A singularity-free fixed-time sliding function (SF-FxTSF) ensures fast, robust, and singularity-free convergence. To enhance robustness, a modified third-order sliding mode observer (TOSMO) is integrated into the control framework. This observer estimates both internal uncertainties and external disturbances with improved estimation speed, enabling effective compensation while maintaining convergence performance. A Lyapunov-based analysis rigorously confirms the stability of the proposed method. Simulations of the SAMSUNG FARA AT2 manipulator indicate superior tracking accuracy, faster convergence, and smoother control performance compared to the three state-of-the-art methods. These results underscore the proposed method’s advantages as a robust, scalable, and high-performance control solution for industrial robotic systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Control Theory and Its Applications)
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28 pages, 3938 KB  
Article
Quantum Particle Swarm Optimization (QPSO)-Based Enhanced Dynamic Model Parameters Identification for an Industrial Robotic Arm
by Mehdi Fazilat and Nadjet Zioui
Mathematics 2025, 13(16), 2631; https://doi.org/10.3390/math13162631 - 16 Aug 2025
Viewed by 519
Abstract
Accurate parameter identification in dynamic models of robotic arms is essential for performing high-performance control and energy-efficient procedures. However, classic methods often encounter difficulties when modeling nonlinear, high-dimensional systems, particularly in the presence of real-world uncertainties. To address these challenges, this study focuses [...] Read more.
Accurate parameter identification in dynamic models of robotic arms is essential for performing high-performance control and energy-efficient procedures. However, classic methods often encounter difficulties when modeling nonlinear, high-dimensional systems, particularly in the presence of real-world uncertainties. To address these challenges, this study focuses on identifying mass center positions and inertia matrix elements in a six-jointed industrial robotic arm and comparing the influence of optimized algorithms: the classical Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and the Quantum-behaved Particle Swarm Optimization (QPSO). The robot’s kinematic model was validated by comparing it with actual motion data, utilizing a high-precision neural network to ensure accuracy before conducting a dynamic analysis. A comprehensive dynamic model was created using Computer-Aided Optimization (CAO) in SolidWorks Premium 2023 to simulate realistic mass parameters, thereby validating the model’s reliability in a practical setting. The real (Referenced) and optimized dynamic models of the robot arm were validated using trajectory tracking simulations under sliding mode control (SMC) to assess the impact of the optimized model on the robot’s performance metrics. Results indicate that QPSO estimates inertia and mass center parameters with Mean Absolute Percentage Errors (MAPE) of 0.76% and 0.43%, outperforming PSO significantly and delivering smoother torque profiles and greater resilience to external disturbances. Full article
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22 pages, 4306 KB  
Article
Three-Dimensional Trajectory Tracking Control Strategy for Underactuated UUVs Based on Improved ADRC
by Xuelong Geng, Zhengpeng Yang and Chao Ming
Symmetry 2025, 17(8), 1339; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym17081339 - 16 Aug 2025
Viewed by 299
Abstract
To address the challenge of low trajectory tracking accuracy for underactuated unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) under external disturbances, this study proposes a method integrating backstepping control with improved active disturbance rejection control (IADRC), which enhances high-precision trajectory tracking performance for UUV systems. Firstly, [...] Read more.
To address the challenge of low trajectory tracking accuracy for underactuated unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) under external disturbances, this study proposes a method integrating backstepping control with improved active disturbance rejection control (IADRC), which enhances high-precision trajectory tracking performance for UUV systems. Firstly, a five-degree-of-freedom dynamic model is established according to the symmetrical structure characteristics of an underactuated UUV, and virtual control inputs are designed using the backstepping method to address the underactuated characteristics. To improve convergence speed and tracking accuracy, a nonsingular terminal sliding mode control (NTSMC) is incorporated into the ADRC framework. Additionally, a parameter-adaptive tracking differentiator (PATD) is developed to mitigate the “differential explosion” problem inherent in backstepping virtual control inputs. A model-assisted extended state observer (ESO) is also designed to accurately estimate system disturbances. Stability analysis, grounded in Lyapunov theory, rigorously proves that all tracking errors converge asymptotically to a small bounded neighborhood of the origin. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed control strategy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Engineering and Materials)
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26 pages, 66652 KB  
Article
Modeling and Analysis of Surface Motion Characteristics for a Dual-Propulsion Amphibious Spherical Robot
by Hongqun Zou, Fengqi Zhang, Meng Wang, You Wang and Guang Li
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(16), 8998; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15168998 - 14 Aug 2025
Viewed by 345
Abstract
This study introduces an amphibious spherical robot equipped with a dual-propulsion system (ASR-DPS) and investigates its water-surface motion characteristics. Due to its distinctive spherical geometry, the robot exhibits markedly different hydrodynamic behavior compared to conventional vessels. A comparative analysis of the frontal wetted [...] Read more.
This study introduces an amphibious spherical robot equipped with a dual-propulsion system (ASR-DPS) and investigates its water-surface motion characteristics. Due to its distinctive spherical geometry, the robot exhibits markedly different hydrodynamic behavior compared to conventional vessels. A comparative analysis of the frontal wetted area is performed, followed by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to assess water-surface performance. The results indicate that the hemispherical bow increases hydrodynamic resistance and generates large-scale vortex structures as a consequence of intensified flow separation. Although the resistance is higher than that of traditional hulls, the robot’s greater draft and dual-propulsion configuration enhance stability and maneuverability during surface operations. To validate real-world performance, standard maneuvering tests, including circle and zig-zag maneuvers, are conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the propeller-based propulsion system. The robot achieves a maximum surface speed of 1.2 m/s and a zero turning radius, with a peak yaw rate of 0.54 rad/s under differential thrust. Additionally, experiments on the pendulum-based propulsion system demonstrate a maximum speed of 0.239 m/s with significantly lower energy consumption (220.6 Wh at 60% throttle). A four-degree-of-freedom kinematic and dynamic model is formulated to describe the water-surface motion. To address model uncertainties and external disturbances, two control strategies are proposed: one employing model simplification and the other adaptive control. Simulation results confirm that the adaptive sliding mode controller provides precise surge speed tracking and smooth yaw regulation with near-zero steady-state error, exhibiting superior robustness and reduced chattering compared to the baseline controller. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Control Systems in Mechatronics and Robotics)
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13 pages, 854 KB  
Article
Physical Reinforcement Learning with Integral Temporal Difference Error for Constrained Robots
by Luis Pantoja-Garcia, Vicente Parra-Vega and Rodolfo Garcia-Rodriguez
Robotics 2025, 14(8), 111; https://doi.org/10.3390/robotics14080111 - 14 Aug 2025
Viewed by 565
Abstract
The paradigm of reinforcement learning (RL) refers to agents that learn iteratively through continuous interactions with their environment. However, when the value function is unknown, a neural network is used, which is typically encoded into an unknown temporal difference equation. When RL is [...] Read more.
The paradigm of reinforcement learning (RL) refers to agents that learn iteratively through continuous interactions with their environment. However, when the value function is unknown, a neural network is used, which is typically encoded into an unknown temporal difference equation. When RL is implemented in physical systems, explicit convergence and stability analyses are required to guarantee the worst-case operations for any trial, even when the initial conditions are set to zero. In this paper, physical RL (p-RL) refers to the application of RL in dynamical systems that interact with their environments, such as robot manipulators in contact tasks and humanoid robots in cooperation or interaction tasks. Unfortunately, most p-RL schemes lack stability properties, which can even be dangerous for specific robot applications, such as those involving contact (constrained) tasks or interaction tasks. Considering an unknown and disturbed DAE2 robot, in this paper a p-RL approach is developed to guaranteeing robust stability throughout a continuous-time-adaptive actor–critic, with local exponential convergence of force–position tracking error. The novel adaptive mechanisms lead to robustness, while an integral sliding mode enforces tracking. Simulations are presented and discussed to show our proposal’s effectiveness, and some final remarks are addressed concerning the structural aspects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section AI in Robotics)
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