Intelligent Robotics and Applications

Abstract

This paper presents an experimental comparison of various model-independent control strategies implemented on a system with unbalanced rotating mass. Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID), Robust Tracking with Control Vector Constraints (RTCVC), and Active Disturbance Rejection Control (ADRC) are considered in this research. Although these control algorithms deal with parametric uncertainties, external disturbances, and nonlinear behavior of the system with different approaches, their common feature is that they do not need an explicit mathematical model of the physical process. Obtained results show that the ADRC achieved highest control performance in terms of position trajectory tracking of the manipulator link and energy efficiency. This work also confirms that the ADRC is a promising model-free control approach, which brings together what is best in both classic and modern control theories. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.