Stability analysis and design of time-delay uncertain systems using robust reliability method

A robust reliability method for stability analysis and reliability-based stabilization of time-delay dynamic systems with uncertain but bounded parameters is presented by treating the uncertain parameters as interval variables.The performance function used for robust reliability analysis is defined by a delayindependent stability criterion.The design of robust controllers is carried out by solving a reliability-based optimization problem in which the control cost satisfying design requirements is minimized.This kind of treatment makes it possible to achieve a balance between the reliability and control cost in the design of controller when uncertainties must be taken into account.By the method,a robust reliability measure of the degree of stability of a time-delay uncertain system can be provided,and the maximum robustness bounds of uncertain parameters such that the time-delay system to be stable can be obtained.All the procedures are based on the linear matrix inequality approach and therefore can be carried out conveniently.The effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method are demonstrated with two practical examples.It is shown by numerical simulations and comparison that it is meaningful to take the robust reliability into account in the control design of uncertain systems.

Design of an Acoustic Communication System Based on FHMA for Multiple Underwater Vehicles

This paper designs an underwater acoustic communication system based on tamed spread spectrum and Frequency Hopping Multiple Access (FHMA) for multiple underwater vehicles. In this system, multiple underwater vehicles can communicate with the console on the water surface simultaneously successfully. The communication system is com-posed of tamed spread spectrum modulation and demodulation, frequency hopping modulation and demodulation with synchronization function, 4FSK modulation and demodulation and Rake Receiver. In order to make the system more feasible, underwater channel and the effect of user number on Bit Error Ratio (BER) are also taken into account. The simulation results indicate that it is feasible to use this system to accomplish underwater communication reliably for multiple users due to the low BER.

Robust RGB-D Camera and IMU Fusion-based Cooperative and Relative Close-range Localization for Multiple Turtle-inspired Amphibious Spherical Robots

In the narrow, submarine, unstructured environment, the present localization approaches, such as GPS measurement, dead?rcckoning, acoustic positioning, artificial landmarks-based method, are hard to be used for multiple small-scale underwater robots. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel RGB-D camera and Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) fusion-based cooperative and relative close-range localization approach for special environments, such as underwater caves. Owing to the rotation movement with zero-radius, the cooperative localization of Multiple Turtle-inspired Amphibious Spherical Robot (MTASRs) is realized. Firstly, we present an efficient Histogram of Oriented Gradient (HOG) and Color Names (CNs) fusion feature extracted from color images ofTASRs. Then, by training Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier with this fusion feature, an automatic recognition method of TASRs is developed. Secondly, RGB-D camerabased measurement model is obtained by the depth map In order to realize the cooperative and relative close-range localization of MTASRs, the MTASRs model is established with RGB-D camera and IMU. Finally, the depth measurement in water is corrected and the efficiency of RGB-D camera for underwater application is validated. Then experiments of our proposed localization method with three robots were conducted and the results verified the feasibility of the proposed method for MTASRs.

Development of an Amphibious Turtle-Inspired Spherical Mother Robot

Robots play an important role in underwater monitoring and recovery operations, such as pollution detection, submarine sampling and data collection, video mapping, and object recovery in dangerous places. However, regular-sized robots may not be suitable for applications in some restricted underwater environments. Accordingly, in previous research we designed several novel types of bio-inspired microrobots using Ionic Polymer Metal Composite （IPMC） and Shape Memory Alloy （SMA） ac- tuators. These microrobots possess some attributes of compact structure, multi-functionality, flexibility, and precise positioning. However, they lack the attributes of long endurance, stable high speed, and large load capacity necessary for real-world appli- cations. To overcome these disadvantages, we proposed a mother-son robot system, composed of several microrobots as sons and a newly designed amphibious spherical robot as the mother. Inspired by amphibious turtles, the mother robot was designed with a spherical body and four legs with two Degrees of Freedom （DOF）. It is actuated by four vectored water-jet propellers and ten servomotors, and it is capable of walking on land and cruising underwater. We analysed the mother robot＇s walking and underwater cruising mechanisms, constructed a prototype, and carried out a series of experiments to evaluate its amphibious motions. Good motion performance was observed in the experiments.

A Fuzzy PID Algorithm for a Novel Miniature Spherical Robots with Three-dimensional Underwater Motion Control

We proposed and developed a small bionic amphibious spherical robot system for tasks such as coastal environment monitoring and offshore autonomous search and rescue.Our third-generation bionic small amphibious spherical robots have many disadvantages,such as the lack of maneuverability and a small operating range.It is difficult to accomplish underwater autonomous motion control with these robots.Therefore,we proposed a fourth-generation amphibious spherical robot.However,the amphibious spherical robot developed in this project has a small and compact design,with limited sensors and external sensing options.This means that the robot has weak external information collection capabilities.We need to make the real time operation of the robot's underwater motion control system more reliable.In this paper,we mainly used a fuzzy Proportional-Integral-Derivative(PID)control algorithm to design an underwater motion control system for a novel robot.Moreover,we compared PID with fuzzy PID control methods by carrying out experiments on heading and turning bow motions to verify that the fuzzy PID is more robust and exhibits good dynamic performance.We also carried out experiments on the three-dimensional(3D)motion control to validate the design of the underwater motion control system.

Task Planning and Collaboration of Jellyfish-inspired Multiple Spherical Underwater Robots

Task planning and collaboration of multiple robots have broad application prospects and value in the field of robotics.To improve the performance and working efficiency of our Spherical Underwater Robot(SUR),we propose a multi-robot control strategy that can realize the task planning and collaboration of multiple robots.To complete real-time information sharing of multiple robots,we first build an acoustic communication system with excellent communication performance under low noise ratio conditions.Then,the task planning and collaboration control strategy adjust the SURs so that they maintain their positions in the desired formation when the formation moves.Multiple SURs can move along desired trajectories in the expected formation.The control strategy of each SUR uses only its information and limited information of its neighboring SURs.Finally,based on theoretical analysis and experiments,we evaluate the validity and reliability of the proposed strategy.In comparison to the traditional leader–follower method,it is not necessary to designate a leader and its followers explicitly in our system;thus,important advantages,such as fault tolerance,are achieved.

An EMG-Based Biomimetic Variable Stiffness Modulation Strategy for Bilateral Motor Skills Relearning of Upper Limb Elbow Joint Rehabilitation

Bilateral rehabilitation systems with bilateral or unilateral assistive robots have been developed for hemiplegia patients to recover their one-side paralysis.However,the compliant robotic assistance to promote bilateral inter-limb coordination remains a challenge that should be addressed.In this paper,a biomimetic variable stiffness modulation strategy for the Variable Stiffness Actuator(VSA)integrated robotic is proposed to improve bilateral limb coordination and promote bilateral motor skills relearning.An Electromyography(EMG)-driven synergy reference stiffness estimation model of the upper limb elbow joint is developed to reproduce the muscle synergy effect on the affected side limb by independent real-time stiffness control.Additionally,the bilateral impedance control is incorporated for realizing compliant patient-robot interaction.Preliminary experiments were carried out to evaluate the tracking performance and investigate the multiple task intensities’influence on bilateral motor skills relearning.Experimental results evidence the proposed method could enable bilateral motor task skills relearning with wide-range task intensities and further promote bilateral inter-limb coordination.

Design, Implementation and Control of an Amphibious Spherical Robot

We proposed and implemented a leg-vector water-jet actuated spherical robot and an underwater adaptive motion control system so that the proposed robot could perform exploration tasks in complex environments.Our aim was to improve the kinematic performance of spherical robots.We developed mechanical and dynamic models so that we could analyze the motions of the robot on land and in water.The robot was equipped with an Inertial Measurement Unit(IMU)that provided inclination and motion information.We designed three types of walking gait for the robot,with different stabilities and speeds.Furthermore,we proposed an online adjustment mechanism to adjust the gaits so that the robot could climb up slopes in a stable manner.As the system function changed continuously as the robot moved underwater,we implemented an online motion recognition system with a forgetting factor least squares algorithm.We proposed a generalized prediction control algorithm to achieve robust underwater motion control.To ensure real-time performance and reduce power consumption,the robot motion control system was implemented on a Zynq-7000 System-on-Chip(SoC).Our experimental results show that the robot’s motion remains stable at different speeds in a variety of amphibious environments,which meets the requirements for applications in a range of terrains.

Tracking Control in Presence of Obstacles and Uncertainties for Bioinspired Spherical Underwater Robots

During marine missions,AUVs are susceptible to external disturbances,such as obstacles,ocean currents,etc.,which can easily cause mission failure or disconnection.In this paper,considering the strong nonlinearities,external disturbances and obstacles,the kinematic and dynamic model of bioinspired Spherical Underwater Robot(SUR)was described.Subsequently,the waypoints-based trajectory tracking with obstacles and uncertainties was proposed for SUR to guarantee its safety and stability.Next,the Lyapunov theory was adopted to verify the stability and the Slide Mode Control(SMC)method is used to verify the robustness of the control system.In addition,a series of simulations were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of proposed control strategy.Some tests,including path-following,static and moving obstacle avoidance were performed which verified the feasibility,robustness and effectiveness of the designed control scheme.Finally,a series of experiments in real environment were performed to verify the performance of the control strategy.The simulation and experimental results of the study supplied clues to the improvement of the path following capability and multi-obstacle avoidance of AUVs.

Path Optimization Method for the Spherical Underwater Robot in Unknown Environment

One of the major respects of the autonomous capability of underwater robots in unknown environment is to be capable of global path planning and obstacles avoiding when encountering abrupt events.For the Spherical Underwater Robot(SUR)to fulfill autonomous task execution,this paper proposed a novel fuzzy control method that incorporates multi-sensor technology to guide underwater robots in unknown environment.To attain the objective,a SUR we designed is used to design the controller.According to its kinematic model,the safety distance was calculated and sensors(US1000-21 A)were arranged.The novel fuzzy control method was then explored for robot's path planning in an unknown environment through simulation.The simulation results demonstrate the capability of the proposed method to guide the robot,and to generate a safe and smooth trajectory in an unknown environment.The effectiveness of the proposed method was further verified through experiments with a SUR in a real platform.The real environment experiments by using the novel fuzzy control method were compared with the basic control method.The experimental results show that in unknown environments,the proposed method improves the execution efficiency and flexibility of the SUR.

A Review:From Aquatic Lives Locomotion to Bio-inspired Robot Mechanical Designations

With the development of camera technology,high-speed cameras have greatly contributed to capturing the movement and posture of animals,which has dramatically promoted experimental biology research.At the same time,with the concept of bionics gradually gaining popularity among researchers,the design of robots is absorbing more and more biological features,where the interest in the bio-inspired robot is hewed out.Compared with the traditional robot,the bio-inspired robot imitates the motion pattern to achieve similar propulsion features,which may be more effective and reasonable.In this paper,the motion patterns of aquatic animals are divided into four categories according to their propulsion mechanisms:drag-based,lift-based,jet-based,and interface-based.And bio-inspired robots imitating aquatic prototypes are introduced and reviewed.Finally,the prospect of aquatic bio-inspired robots is discussed.

Study on Decentralization of Spherical Amphibious Multi-robot Control System Based on Smart Contract and Blockchain

With the development of intelligent bionic robots and the improvement of military application,a single robot cannot meet the requirements of the tasks of the current era.The more complex tasks require not only that the robot be able to pass through the field barriers and the amphibious environment,but also that the robot be able to collaborate in a multi-robot system.Consequently,research on the multi-robot control system of spherical amphibious robots is very important.Presently,the main research on amphibious robots is to improve the functions of a single robot,in the absence of the study of the multi-robot control system.Existing systems primarily use a centralized control methodology.Although the transfer of central node can be achieved,there is still a problem of Byzantine fault tolerance in military applications,that is,when the amphibious multi-robot system is invaded by the enemy.The central node may not only fail to accomplish the task,but also lose control of other robots,with severe consequences.To solve the above problems,this paper proposed a decentralized method of spherical amphibious multi-robot control system based on blockchain technology.First,the point-to-point information network based on long range radio technology of low power wide area network was set up,we designed the blockchain system for embedded application environment and the decentralized hardware and software architecture of multi-robot control system.On this basis,the consensus plugin,smart contract and decentralized multi-robot control algorithm were designed to achieve decentralization.The experimental results of consensus of spherical amphibious multi-robot showed the effectiveness of the decentralization.

A decoupling three-dimensional motion control algorithm for spherical underwater robot

Underwater spherical robots are good assistants for ocean exploration,where motion control algorithms play a vital role.Conventional motion control algorithms cannot eliminate the coupling relationship between various motion directions,which will cause the motion control of various directions to interfere with one other and significantly affect the control effect.This study proposes a new decoupling motion control algorithm based on the robot attitude calculation for an underwater spherical robot designed for offshore,shallow water,and narrow terrain.The proposed method uses four fuzzy proportional-integral-derivative(PID)controllers to independently control the robot’s movement in all directions.Experiments show that the motion control algorithm proposed in this study can significantly improve the flexibility and accuracy of the movement of underwater spherical robots.