Output feedback control via linear extended state observer for an uncertain manipulator with output constraints and input dead-zone

Abstract

This paper proposes an output feedback controller with a linear extended state observer (LESO) for an n-degree-of-freedom (n-DOF) manipulator under the presence of external disturbance, an input dead-zone, and time-varying output constraints. First, these issues are derived in mathematical equations accompanying an n-DOF manipulator. The proposed control is designed based on the backstepping technique with the barrier Lyapunov function (BLF) and a LESO. The LESO is used for estimating both the unmeasured states and the lumped uncertainties including the unknown frictions, external disturbances, and input dead-zone, in order to enhance the accuracy of the robotic manipulator. Additionally, the BLF helps to avoid violation of the output constraints. The stability and the output constraint satisfaction of the controlled manipulator are theoretically analyzed and proven by the Lyapunov theorem with a barrier Lyapunov function. Some comparative simulations are carried out on a 3-DOF planar manipulator. The simulation results prove the significant performance improvement of the proposed control over the previous methods.