Adaptive Tracking Control of Nonlinear Multi-Agent Systems Subject to Multiple Constraints via Multi-Dimensional Taylor Network

• Published in: IEEE transactions on automation science and engineering Vol. 22; pp. 16913 - 16924
• Main Authors: Hao, Wei-Jie, Zong, Zhao-Yi, Wei, Shu-Zhen, Zhu, Shan-Liang, Han, Yu-Qun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: IEEE 2025
• Subjects: Adaptive control; Artificial intelligence; Control systems; input constraints; Multi-agent systems; multi-dimensional Taylor network; Nonlinear systems; output constraints; Safety; Stability criteria; Synchronization; System performance; Training
• ISSN: 1545-5955; 1558-3783
• DOI: 10.1109/TASE.2025.3581459

This paper investigates the adaptive tracking control problem for nonlinear multi-agent systems operating under simultaneous input saturation and output performance constraints. To address asymmetric input saturation, an innovative auxiliary system is developed that generates compensatory signals based on the discrepancy between the input signal and the saturation function output. A central contribution is the introduction of a novel dynamic performance function (DPF), this function leverages signals from the auxiliary system to adaptively adjust performance boundaries, critically activating this adjustment only when input saturation occurs concurrently with synchronization errors exceeding predefined safety limits, thereby effectively resolving conflicts between the input and performance constraints. Furthermore, a first-order filter is employed within the backstepping control design to approximate virtual control derivatives, mitigating the "computational explosion" issue. An adaptive controller incorporating multi-dimensional Taylor network (MTN) is then synthesized based on this framework. Rigorous Lyapunov stability analysis confirms the boundedness of all signals within the closed-loop system. Supporting this theoretical finding, simulation results confirm the proposed control strategy's effectiveness and feasibility, demonstrating enhanced synchronization performance and robustness under these multiple, potentially conflicting constraints. Note to Practitioners-Practitioners working with nonlinear multi-agent systems facing input and output constraints should consider the adaptive tracking control approach presented in this paper. The method innovatively addresses asymmetric input saturation by developing an auxiliary system that generates compensatory signals to mitigate its negative effects on system performance. To balance input saturation and output performance constraints, a dynamic performance function is introduced, ensuring that synchronization errors stay within acceptable ranges. This approach is particularly valuable for applications like drone swarms or automated transportation systems, where synchronization and constraint adherence are safety-critical.