Adaptive multi-mode switching strategy for the spherical underwater robot with hybrid thrusters

Abstract

The conventional autonomous cruise and tracking system cannot transition and change its motion mode according to the underwater environment during operation, so it is of great significance to study the multi-mode switching of cruise control for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). In this paper, a Multi-Mode Adaptive Switching (MMAS) strategy for the Spherical Underwater Robot with Hybrid Thruster (HPSUR) was proposed, which provided the possibility for the robot to choose optimal control mode according to the unpredictable operating environment. Then, the dynamic and force of the hybrid thruster are analyzed to improve the accuracy of multi-mode switching, and the MMAS strategy is developed linking the attitude adjustment and switching problems. Furthermore, a series of multi-mode switching experiments were conducted using water-jet mode, propeller mode and hybrid mode. Finally, the experimental result was discussed, which verified the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed MMAS strategy. The proposed control strategy has a certain reference value for the multi-mode switching of propulsion devices.