Robust adaptive control of underwater glider for bottom sitting-oriented soft landing

Abstract

This paper deals with the formalization, design, theorization, and implementation of a robust adaptive nonlinear control scheme to solve the bottom sitting-oriented soft landing control problem for an underwater glider under model uncertainties, actuator dynamics, and external disturbances. First, uniformized motion equations are derived based on Lie derivatives for describing pitch angle and vertical velocity tracking control. Then, the robust adaptive control framework is enhanced by containing an anti-windup auxiliary system and a disturbance observer. The stability of the closed-loop control system based on Lyapunov theory is proven to guarantee the boundedness of the entire internal signals. Finally, multifarious experimental results are also conducted by a self-developed underwater glider to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller.