Towards Efficient Hydraulic Manipulator Control using Learning-Based Model Predictive Control
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Authors
Caldwell, Jack
Date
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
Model Predictive Control , Feedback Linearization , Manipulator Control , Hydraulic Manipulator Control , Optimal Control , Gaussian Process Regression
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Abstract
Large-scale hydraulic manipulators are notoriously difficult to control due to the prevalent nonlinear and complex dynamics. As a result, automation and control of such machines has only proceeded as far as tele-operation. Recently, research has explored the use of Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) to enhance the modelling of manipulator dynamics, ultimately enabling more accurate control. Most control solutions have employed reactive control techniques, such as Inverse Dynamics controllers, for manipulator controllers. More recently, Model Predictive Controllers (MPC) have been explored for their foresight and constraint handling. Unfortunately, nonlinear Model Predictive Controllers pose a large computational burden, rendering these solutions infeasible for real-time applications.
This work presents a learning-based MPC methodology incorporating nonlinear predictions with robotics applications in mind. In particular, MPC is combined with feedback linearization for computational efficiency and GPR is used to model unknown system dynamics and nonlinearities. In this method, MPC predicts future states by leveraging a GPR model and optimizes a sequence of inputs over feedback linearized states. This controller was tested in simulation by using a two-link planar robot in the presence of model uncertainty. With respect to trajectory-tracking error, the proposed controller outperformed a conventional Proportional-Derivative (PD) Inverse Dynamics (ID) controller and a GPR-augmented ID controller. Although a fully nonlinear MPC formulation achieved slightly better performance, the proposed controller had an average control calculation time that was 82x faster.
With the intent of controller validation, control infrastructure was developed for a hydraulically actuated Kubota R520S robotic loader. Field trials were performed for dynamics regression and controller testing. A cascade control system was developed, with an outer-loop position controller and inner-loop torque controller. The torque controller was validated on the system, though hardware constraints limited the controller bandwidth. Differential evolution algorithm was leveraged to optimize a dynamics regression trajectory. A PD feedback controller was employed for dynamics parameter regression trial trajectory tracking. The dynamics parameters were regressed, resulting in a torque estimation root-mean-square percentage error of 41%. Finally, a PD ID controller was developed, tested, and validated on the robotic system.
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ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.