Adaptive neural network-based practical predefined-time nonsingular terminal sliding mode control for upper limb rehabilitation robots

Abstract

This article investigates the predefined time trajectory tracking control problem of upper limb rehabilitation robots in the presence of the model uncertainty and external disturbances. An adaptive neural network-based practical predefined-time fast nonsingular terminal sliding-mode control (PPT-FNTSMC) strategy is proposed, in which a novel sliding mode surface is constructed to achieve predefined-time convergence and avoid the singularity problem as well. Additionally, a neural network is employed to approximate the lumped disturbances, and the estimated values are utilized in the controller for compensation, thereby reducing the required switching gain and mitigating chattering phenomenon. A rigorous theoretical analysis is provided to illustrate that the tracking errors can converge to a vicinity of the origin in a predefined time. Finally, simulations on a two-joint single-arm robot and a 5-DOF upper-limb exoskeleton are conducted and compared with an existing control method to demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed control strategy.