Characterization of MEMS accelerometer self-noise by means of PSD and Allan Variance analysis

In this paper, we have studied the sources of error of a low-cost 3-axis MEMS accelerometer by means of Power Spectral Density and Allan Variance techniques. These techniques were applied to the signals acquired from ten identical devices to characterize the variability of the sensor produced by the same manufacturer. Our analysis showed as identically produced accelerometer have somehow variable behavior in particular at low frequency. It is therefore of paramount importance before their use in Inertial Navigation or Earthquakes Monitoring System, a complete characterization of each single sensors.

Robust Discrete-Time Lateral Control of Racecars by Unknown Input Observers

This brief addresses the robust lateral control problem for self-driving racecars. It proposes a discrete-time estimation and control solution consisting of a delayed unknown input-state observer (UIO) and a robust tracking controller. Based on a nominal vehicle model, describing its motion with respect to a generic desired trajectory and requiring no information about the surrounding environment, the observer reconstructs the total force disturbance signal, resulting from imperfect knowledge of the time-varying tire-road interface characteristics, presence of other vehicles nearby, wind gusts, and other model uncertainty. Then, the controller actively compensates the estimated force and as…

A Rough-Terrain Casting Robot for the ESA Lunar Robotics Challenge

This paper describes the design and implementation of DAVID, a lunar vehicle developed for the European Space Agency (ESA) Lunar Robotics Challenge, presenting severe terrain negotiation and sample acquisition challenges. We discuss in some detail two of the main innovative aspects of our entry to the challenge, i.e. the locomotion system and the sample acquisition system. Motivated by the challenge specifications, a range of different locomotion systems were considered, among which we chose a simple, rugged and effective wheeled system. We provide an account of the choice of five different types of wheels, which were designed, analyzed and experimentally tested in conditions similar to the…

Steering dynamical systems with finite plans and limited path length

Complex dynamical systems can be steered by using symbolic input plans. These plans must have a finite descriptive length, and can be expressed by means of words chosen in an alphabet of symbols. In this way, such plans can be sent through a limited capacity channel to a remote system, where they are decoded in suitable control actions. The choice of this symbols is essential to efficiently encode steering plans. To this aim, in this paper, we state the problem of finding symbols maximizing the interval of points reachable by the system along paths with constrained length. We focus on the problem with two symbols, and compare the results with those produced by plans not accounting for the l…

Dynamic Distributed Intrusion Detection for Secure Multi-Robot Systems

A general technique to build a dynamic and distributed intrusion detector for a class of multi–agent systems is proposed in this paper, by which misbehavior in the motion of one or more agents can be discovered. Previous work from the authors has focused on how to distinguish the behavior of a misbehaving agent in a completely distributed way, by developing a solution where agents act as local monitors of their neighbors and use locally sensed information as well as data received from other monitors at a particular time. In this work, we improve the system detection capability by allowing monitors to use information collected at different instants and thus realizing a dynamic state observer…

Decentralized Deployment of Mobile Sensors for Optimal Connected Sensing Coverage

In this paper, we address the optimal connected sensing coverage problem, i.e., how mobile sensors with limited sensing capabilities can cooperatively adjust their locations so as to maximize the extension of the covered area while avoiding any internal “holes”, areas that are not covered by any sensor. Our solution consists in a distributed motion algorithm that is based on an original extension of the Voronoi tessellation.

Extended complex Kalman filter for sensorless control of an induction motor

Abstract This paper deals with the design of an extended complex Kalman filter (ECKF) for estimating the state of an induction motor (IM) model, and for sensorless control of systems employing this type of motor as an actuator. A complex-valued model is adopted that simultaneously allows a simpler observability analysis of the system and a more effective state estimation. The observability analysis of this model is first performed by assuming that a third order ECKF has to be designed, by neglecting the mechanical equation of the IM model, which is a valid hypothesis when the motor is operated at constant rotor speed. It is shown that this analysis is more effective and easier than the one …

Robust Network Agreement on Logical Information

Abstract Logical consensus is an approach to distributed decision making which is based on the availability of a network of agents with incomplete system knowledge. The method requires the construction of a Boolean map which defines a dynamic system allowing the entire network to consent on a unique, global decision. Previous work by the authors proved the method to be viable for applications such as intrusion detection within a structured environment, when the agent's communication topology is known in advance. The current work aims at providing a fully distributed protocol, requiring no a priori knowledge of each agent's communication neighbors. The protocol allows the construction of a r…

Distance-constrained data clustering by combined k-means algorithms and opinion dynamics filters

Data clustering algorithms represent mechanisms for partitioning huge arrays of multidimensional data into groups with small in–group and large out–group distances. Most of the existing algorithms fail when a lower bound for the distance among cluster centroids is specified, while this type of constraint can be of help in obtaining a better clustering. Traditional approaches require that the desired number of clusters are specified a priori, which requires either a subjective decision or global meta–information knowledge that is not easily obtainable. In this paper, an extension of the standard data clustering problem is addressed, including additional constraints on the cluster centroid di…

Convergence Analysis of Distributed Set-Valued Information Systems

This paper focuses on the convergence of information in distributed systems of agents communicating over a network. The information on which the convergence is sought is not rep- resented by real numbers, as often in the literature, rather by sets. The dynamics of the evolution of information across the net- work is accordingly described by set-valued iterative maps. While the study of convergence of set-valued iterative maps is highly complex in general, this paper focuses on Boolean maps, which are comprised of arbitrary combinations of unions, intersections, and complements of sets. For these important class of systems, we provide tools to study both global and local convergence. A distr…

Set-valued consensus for distributed clock synchronization

This paper addresses the clock synchronization problem in a wireless sensor network (WSN) and proposes a distributed solution that consists of a form of consensus, where agents are able to exchange data representing intervals or sets. The solution is based on a centralized algorithm for clock synchronization, proposed by Marzullo, that determines the smallest interval that is in common with the maximum number of measured intervals. We first show how to convert such an algorithm into a problem involving only operations on sets, and then we convert it into a set–valued consensus. The solution is valid for more general scenarios where agents have uncertain measures of e.g. the position of an o…

Design and control of a novel 3D casting manipulator

This paper focuses on casting manipulation and presents an innovative mechanism that allows objects placed in a three-dimensional space to be reached with a relatively small robot. Casting manipulation is a technique by which a robotic end-effector is thrown and its ballistic flight is controlled through a tether cable so as to reach a target object. Previous work presented a solution that is viable only when the position of the target object is perfectly known or aligned with the throwing plane. Our work extends the technique by use of a novel mechanical design of the arm, and a suitable control scheme for the flight of the end-effector, which makes it applicable for objects placed at gene…

Decentralized Intrusion Detection In Cooperative Multi-Agent Systems

Distributed Consensus on Boolean Information

Abstract In this paper we study the convergence towards consensus on information in a distributed system of agents communicating over a network. The particularity of this study is that the information on which the consensus is seeked is not represented by real numbers, rather by logical values or sets. Whereas the problems of allowing a network of agents to reach a consensus on logical functions of input events, and that of agreeing on set–valued information, have been separately addressed in previous work, in this paper we show that these problems can indeed be attacked in a unified way in the framework of Boolean distributed information systems. Based on a notion of contractivity for Bool…

Trajectory robust control of autonomous quadcopters based on model decoupling and disturbance estimation

In this article, a systematic procedure is given for determining a robust motion control law for autonomous quadcopters, starting from an input–output linearizable model. In particular, the suggested technique can be considered as a robust feedback linearization (FL), where the nonlinear state-feedback terms, which contain the aerodynamic forces and moments and other unknown disturbances, are estimated online by means of extended state observers. Therefore, the control system is made robust against unmodelled dynamics and endogenous as well as exogenous disturbances. The desired closed-loop dynamics is obtained by means of pole assignment. To have a feasible control action, that is, the fo…

Distributed estimation and control of water distribution networks by logical consensus

In this study we present a methodology for backflow detec- tion through the interpretation of results from a network of Automatic Meter Reading. The approach is based on the so– called logical consensus theory and consists of a distributed failure detection and system reconfiguration. The effective- ness of the proposed method is showed through simulation within a prototypical water distribution network.

On the Stability of the Soft Pendulum With Affine Curvature: Open-Loop, Collocated Closed-Loop, and Switching Control

This letter investigates the stability properties of the soft inverted pendulum with affine curvature - a template model for nonlinear control of underactuated soft robots. We look at how changes in physical parameters affect stability and equilibrium. We give conditions under which zero dynamics corresponding to a collocated choice of the output is (locally or globally) stable or unstable. We leverage these results to design a switching controller that stabilizes a class of nonlinear equilibria of the pendulum, which can drive the system from one equilibrium to another.

Toward a Society of Robots: Behavior, Misbehavior, and Security

In this article, we consider how a very large numbers of robots, differing in their bodies, sensing, and intelligence, may be made to coexist, communicate, and compete fairly toward achieving their individual goals, i.e., to build a society of robots. We discuss some characteristics that the rules defining acceptable social behaviors should possess. We consider threats that may be posed to such a society by the misbehaviors of some of its members, either due to faults or malice, and the possibility to detect and isolate them through cooperation of peers. The article presents examples of motion control protocols, for arbitrarily large groups of heterogeneous robots. We discuss intrusion dete…

Improving the speed estimation by load torque estimation in induction motor drives: an MRAS and NUIO approach

This paper proposes the application of the NUIO inside a FOC induction motor drive for the simultaneous estimation of the load torque and the rotor speed. The idea is to estimate at first the speed with the current model in parallel with a reference model developed on the basis of the voltage model of the induction machine. Then, the estimated speed is given as input to a nonlinear unknown input observer (NUIO) to estimate the load torque. This estimation is then used to correct the previous estimation of the speed. Simulation and experimental results confirm the goodness of the method for an extended range of speed and different load torque, and they confirm the reduction of error in trans…

Racecar Longitudinal Control in Unknown and Highly-Varying Driving Conditions

This paper focuses on racecar longitudinal control with highly-varying driving conditions. The main factors affecting the dynamic behavior of a vehicle, including aerodynamic forces, wheel rolling resistance, traction force resulting from changing tire-road interaction as well as the occurrence of sudden wind gusts or the presence of persistent winds, are considered and assumed to have unknown models. By exploiting the theory on delayed input-state observers and using measurement data about the vehicle and wheel speeds, a dynamic filter that allows the online reconstruction of the above-mentioned unknown time-varying quantities is derived. Moreover, by exploiting the notion of effective tir…

Logical Consensus for Distributed Network Agreement

In this paper we introduce a novel consensus mechanism where agents of a network are able to share logical values, or Booleans, representing their local opinions on e.g. the presence of an intruder or of a fire within an indoor environment. Under suitable joint conditions on agents? visibility and communication capability, we provide an algorithm generating a logical linear consensus system that is globally stable. The solution is optimal in terms of the number of messages to be exchanged and the time needed to reach a consensus. Moreover, to cope with possible sensor failure, we propose a second design approach that produces robust logical nonlinear consensus systems tolerating a maximum n…

Adaptive Feed-Forward Neural Network for Wind Power Delivery

This paper describes a grid connected wind energy conversion system. The interconnecting filter is a simple inductor with a series resistor to minimize three-phase current Total Harmonic Distortion (THD). Using the Recursive Least Squares (RLS) Estimator, an online grid impedance technique is proposed in the stationary reference frame using the Recursive Least Squares (RLS) Estimator. An Adaptive Feedforward Neural (AFN) Controller has also been developed using the inverse of the system to improve the performance of the current Proportional-Integral controller under dynamical conditions and provide better DC link voltage stability. The neural network weights are computed in real-time using …

Online Estimation of the Mechanical Parameters of an Induction Machine Using Speed Loop characteristics and Recursive Least Square Technique

This paper presents a novel approach for estimation of mechanical parameters, inertia and friction coefficient of an Induction Machine (IM) using speed loop characteristics and Recursive Least Square (RLS) estimator. Using the 5th order dynamic equation for Induction Machine and the forgetting factor based RLS algorithm the technique herein proposed employs the speed of the machine and the torque as the inputs for the estimator. Results obtained compares the estimated parameters with the actual parameters under multiple step varying and exponentially varying scenarios. Upon analyzing the results, the validity and the effectiveness of the proposed identification technique is confirmed

Local Monitor Implementation for Decentralized Intrusion Detection in Secure Multi–Agent Systems

This paper focuses on the detection of misbehav- ing agents within a group of mobile robots. A novel approach to automatically synthesize a decentralized Intrusion Detection System (IDS) as well as an efficient implementation of local monitors are presented. In our scenario, agents perform possi- bly different independent tasks, but cooperate to guarantee the entire system’s safety. Indeed, agents plan their next actions by following a set of logic rules which is shared among them. Such rules are decentralized, i.e. they depend only on configurations of neighboring agents. However, some agents may not be acting according to this cooperation protocol, due to spontaneous failure or tampering.…

Visual-based Feedback Control of Casting Manipulation

In this paper, we present a method to control casting manipulation by means of real-time visual feedback. Casting manipulation is a technique to deploy a robotic end-effector at large distances from the robot’s base, by throwing the end-effector and controlling its ballistic flight using forces transmitted through a light tether connected to the end-effector itself. The tether cable can also be used to retrieve the end-effector and exert forces on the robot’s environment. Previous work has shown that casting manipulation is able to catch objects at a large distance, proving it viable for applications such as sample acquisition and return, rescue, etc. In previous experiments, the position o…

Integrated Simulation and Formal Verification of a Simple Autonomous Vehicle

This paper presents a proof-of-concept application of an approach to system development based on the integration of formal verification and co-simulation. A simple autonomous vehicle has the task of reaching an assigned straight path and then follow it, and it can be controlled by varying its turning speed. The correctness of the proposed control law has been formalized and verified by interactive theorem proving with the Prototype Verification System. Concurrently, the system has been co-simulated using the Prototype Verification System and the MathWorks Simulink tool: The vehicle kinematics have been simulated in Simulink, whereas the controller has been modeled in the logic language of t…

Casting Robotic end-effectors to reach far objects in space and planetary missions

In this paper we present work aimed at developing a compact robotic device able to reach objects at far distance.The work is based on the idea of casting manipulation, and that allows to deploy an end-effector at large distances from the robot’s base by throwing (casting) it and controlling its ballistic flightusing forces transmitted through a light tether connected to the end-effector itself.

Force/Torque-Sensorless Joint Stiffness Estimation in Articulated Soft Robots

Currently, the access to the knowledge of stiffness values is typically constrained to a-priori identified models or datasheet information, which either do not usually take into ac- count the full range of possible stiffness values or need extensive experiments. This work tackles the challenge of stiffness estimation in articulated soft manipulators, and it proposes an innovative solution adding value to the previous research by removing the necessity for force/torque sensors and generalizing to multi-degree- of-freedom robots. Built upon the theory of unknown input-state observers and recursive least-square algorithms, the solution is independent of the actuator model parameters and its in…

Development of a Fractional PI controller in an FPGA environment for a Robust High-Performance PMSM Electrical Drive

This paper proposes the application of a Fractional Order PI (FOPI) in the speed loop of a high performance PMSM drive to obtain both speed tracking and load rejection performance with a 1-DOF Proportional Integral (PI) controller and 2-DOF Integral Proportional (IP) controller. Hardware validation was implemented in Field Programmable Gate Array on the LabVIEW environment, based on the National Instruments System-on-Module sbRIO-9651 with Xilinx Zynq-7020. Simulation and experimental results are presented to comparing the performance of a PI, IP and FOPI controllers in the speed loop of a Field Oriented Control (FOC) of a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM).

Convergence Analysis of Extended Kalman Filter for Sensorless Control of Induction Motor

This paper deals with convergence analysis of the extended Kalman filters (EKFs) for sensorless motion control systems with induction motor (IM). An EKF is tuned according to a six-order discrete-time model of the IM, affected by system and measurement noises, obtained by applying a first-order Euler discretization to a six-order continuous-time model. Some properties of the discrete-time model have been explored. Among these properties, the observability property is relevant, which leads to conditions that can be directly linked with the working conditions of the machine. Starting from these properties, the convergence of the stochastic state estimation process, in mean square sense, has b…

Co-simulation and Formal Verification of Co-operative Drone Control With Logic-Based Specifications

Abstract Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) co-operative systems are complex cyber-physical systems that integrate a high-level control algorithm with pre-existing closed implementations of lower-level vehicle kinematics. In model-driven development, simulation is one of the techniques that are usually applied, together with testing, in the analysis of system behaviours. This work proposes a method and tools to validate the design of UAV co-operative systems based on co-simulation and formal verification. The method uses the Prototype Verification System, an interactive theorem prover based on a higher-order logic language, and the Functional Mock-up Interface, a widely accepted standard for co-…

Consensus-based Distributed Intrusion Detection for Multi-Robot Systems

This paper addresses a security problem in robotic multi-agent systems, where agents are supposed to cooperate according to a shared protocol. A distributed Intrusion Detection System (IDS) is proposed here, that detects possible non-cooperative agents. Previous work by the authors showed how single monitors embedded on-board the agents can detect non- cooperative behavior, using only locally available information. In this paper, we allow such monitors to share the collected information in order to overcome their sensing limitation. In this perspective, we show how an agreement on the type of behavior of a target-robot may be reached by the monitors, through execution of a suitable consensu…

Nonlinear Robust Control of a Quadratic Boost Converter in a Wide Operation Range, Based on Extended Linearization Method

This paper proposes a control system for a quadratic boost DC/DC converter in a wide range of operations, based on an inner loop with a sliding mode controller, for reaching a desired equilibrium state, and an outer loop with integral-type controller, for assuring robustness against load and input voltage variations and converter parameter uncertainties. The sliding mode controller is designed with the extended linearization method and assures local asymptotic stability, whereas the integral controller is designed using classical frequency methods, and assures input–output stability. It is shown that the proposed controller also deals with the sudden changes in the nominal operating conditi…

Low-cost underwater navigation systems by multi-pressure measurements and AHRS data

This paper deals with accurate navigation for underwater remotely operated vehicles. A feasibility study for a multi-pressure device to be mounted on an ROV is presented. The device can provide accurate estimates of a ROV orientation and angular speed. It is based on the well-known total pressure principle, also used in a Pitot tube, and allows reconstruction of static and dynamic pressures, which in turn provide good estimates of the ROV's orientation and rotational speed, respectively. An appealing feature of the proposed device is its ability to provide accurate estimates even for low-speed movements.

Robust and Decoupled Position and Stiffness Control for Electrically-Driven Articulated Soft Robots

The control of articulated soft robots, i.e. robots with flexible joints and rigid links, presents a challenge due to their in- trinsic elastic elements and nonlinear force-deflection dependency. This letter first proposes a discrete-time delayed unknown input- state observer based on a nominal robot model that reconstructs the total torque disturbance vector, resulting from the imperfect knowledge of the elastic torque characteristic, external torques, and other model uncertainties. Then, it introduces a robust controller, that actively compensates for the estimated uncertainty and allows bounded stability for the tracking of independent link position and joint stiffness reference signals.…

Decoupled nonlinear adaptive control of position and stiffness for pneumatic soft robots

This article addresses the problem of simultaneous and robust closed-loop control of joint stiffness and position, for a class of antagonistically actuated pneumatic soft robots with rigid links and compliant joints. By introducing a first-order dynamic equation for the stiffness variable and using the additional control degree of freedom, embedded in the null space of the pneumatic actuator matrix, an innovative control approach is introduced comprising an adaptive compensator and a dynamic decoupler. The proposed solution builds upon existing adaptive control theory and provides a technique for closing the loop on joint stiffness in pneumatic variable stiffness actuators. Under a very mi…

Tuning of Extended Kalman Filters for Sensorless Motion Control with Induction Motor

This work deals with the tuning of an Extended Kalman Filter for sensorless control of induction motors for electrical traction in automotive. Assuming that the parameters of the induction motor-load model are known, Genetic Algorithms are used for obtaining the system noise covariance matrix, considering the measurement noise covariance matrix equal to the identity matrix. It is shown that only stator currents have to be acquired for reaching this objective, which is easy to accomplish using Hall-effect transducers. In fact, the Genetic Algorithm minimizes, with respect to the system covariance matrix, a suitable measure of the displacement between the stator currents experimentally acquir…

Demo: Co-simulation of UAVs with INTO-CPS and PVSio-web

This demo shows our ongoing work on the co-simulation of co-operative Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The work is based on the INTO-CPS co-simulation engine, which adopts the widely accepted Functional Mockup Interface (FMI) standard for co-simulation, and the PVSioweb prototyping tool, that extends a system simulator based on the PVS logic language with a web-based graphical interface. Simple scenarios of Quadcopters with assigned different tasks, such as rendez-vous and space coverage, are shown. We assumed a linearized dynamic model for Quadcopters formalized in OpenModelica, and a linearized set of equations for the flight control module written in C language. The co-ordination algorit…

Robust motion control of nonlinear quadrotor model with wind disturbance observer

This paper focuses on robust wind disturbance rejection for nonlinear quadrotor models. By leveraging on nonlinear unknown observer theory, it proposes a nonlinear dynamic filter that, using sensors already on-board the aircraft, can estimate in real-time wind gust signals in the three dimensions. The wind disturbance is then treated as input to the PD controller for a quick and robust flight pathway in presence of disturbances. With this scheme, the wind disturbance can be precisely estimated online and compensated in real-time. Hence, the quadrotor can successfully reach its desired attitude and position. To show the effective and desired performance of the method, simulation results are …

A self-routing protocol for distributed consensus on logical information

In this paper, we address decision making problems, depending on a set of input events, with networks of dynamic agents that have partial visibility of such events. Previous work by the authors proposed so-called logical consensus approach, by which a network of agents, that can exchange binary values representing their local estimates of the events, is able to reach a unique and consistent decision. The approach therein proposed is based on the construction of an iterative map, whose computation is centralized and guaranteed under suitable conditions on the input visibility and graph connectivity. Under the same conditions, we extend the approach in this work by allowing the construction o…

Decentralized classification in societies of autonomous and heterogenous robots

This paper addresses the classification problem for a set of autonomous robots that interact with each other. The objective is to classify agents that “behave” in “different way”, due to their own physical dynamics or to the interaction protocol they are obeying to, as belonging to different “species”. This paper describes a technique that allows a decentralized classification system to be built in a systematic way, once the hybrid models describing the behavior of the different species are given. This technique is based on a decentralized identification mechanism, by which every agent classifies its neighbors using only local information. By endowing every agent with such a local classifie…

Improved Performance in Quadrotor Trajectory Tracking Using MIMO PIλ-D Control

This paper aims to develop a fractional control approach for quadrotor trajectory tracking. A fractional-order integrator (PIλ) with a feedback derivative scheme is designed to control each state of the MIMO system. The designed feedback controller stabilizes the initially unstable decoupled states and widens the stability, while PIλ provides precise trajectory tracking capabilities. After a successful simulation study, the new PIλ-D controller is implemented in the hardware environment. The various performance and load disturbance analyses reveal the effectiveness of the proposed scheme compared with the classical PD/PID controllers. The real-time study also shows that this scheme is a sim…

Enhanced Current Loop PI Controllers with Adaptive Feed-Forward Neural Network via Estimation of Grid Impedance: Application to Three-Phase Grid-Tied PV Inverters

This paper describes a single-stage grid-connected three-phase photovoltaic inverter feeding power to the grid. Using the Recursive Least Squares (RLS) Estimator, an online grid impedance technique is proposed in the stationary reference frame. The method iteratively estimates the grid resistance and inductance values and is effective in detecting inverter islanding according to IEEE standard 929-2000. An Adaptive Feedforward Neural (AFN) Controller has also been developed using the inverse of the system to improve the performance of the inner-loop Proportional-Integral controllers under dynamical conditions and provide better DC link voltage stability. The neural network weights are comput…

Towards the Design of Robotic Drivers for Full-Scale Self-Driving Racing Cars

Autonomous vehicles are undergoing a rapid development thanks to advances in perception, planning and control methods and technologies achieved in the last two decades. Moreover, the lowering costs of sensors and computing platforms are attracting industrial entities, empowering the integration and development of innovative solutions for civilian use. Still, the development of autonomous racing cars has been confined mainly to laboratory studies and small to middle scale vehicles. This paper tackles the development of a planning and control framework for an electric full scale autonomous racing car, which is an absolute novelty in the literature, upon which we report our preliminary experim…

Dynamical Compensation of the Load Torque in a High-Performance Electrical Drive with an Induction Motor

This paper describes a new method for dynamical estimation of load disturbance in induction motors by using Nonlinear Unknown Input Observers (NUIO). This estimation is then used to compensate dynamically the load torque in a Field Oriented Control (FOC) induction motor drive to increase its load-rejection capability. The method has been verified both in simulation and experimentally on a experimental rig.

Identification of Distributed Systems with Logical Interaction Structure

This paper focuses on the structure identification problem for a class of networked systems, where the interaction among components or agents is described through logical maps. In particular, agents are heterogeneous cooperating systems, i.e. they may have different individual dynamics and different interaction rules depending on input events. While we assume that the individual agents' dynamics are known, each agent has partial knowledge of the logical map encoding the interaction of another agent with its neighbors. Based on the so-called algebraic normal form for binary functions, we present a technique by which the network structure described by a logical function can be dynamically est…

Wind gust estimation for precise quasi-hovering control of quadrotor aircraft

Abstract This paper focuses on the control of quadrotor vehicles without wind sensors that are required to accurately track low-speed trajectories in the presence of moderate yet unknown wind gusts. By modeling the wind disturbance as exogenous inputs, and assuming that compensation of its effects can be achieved through quasi-static vehicle motions, this paper proposes an innovative estimation and control scheme comprising a linear dynamic filter for the estimation of such unknown inputs and requiring only position and attitude information. The filter is built upon results from Unknown Input Observer theory and allows estimation of wind and vehicle state without measurement of the wind its…

A Low Cost Customizable Micro-ROV for Environmental Research - Applications, Advances and Challenges

Summary Several shallow submarines areas are characterized by considerable releases of hydrocarbon gases, which, during earthquakes or volcanic activity, may suddenly and violently occur. In some instances, changes in chemical and physical properties of gas emissions, which are generated by geothermal systems connected to the volcanoes’ plumbing system, are important precursors of volcanic activity and useful indices for the study of the geothermal field. Furthermore, some superficial structures such faults, landslide slopes or archaeological relics should be studied with such a high detail that geophysical and bathymetric surveys are unable to provide. In response to the needs increasingly…

On the Robust Synthesis of Logical Consensus Algorithms for Distributed Intrusion Detection

We introduce a novel consensus mechanism by which the agents of a network can reach an agreement on the value of a shared logical vector function depending on binary input events. Based on results on the convergence of finite--state iteration systems, we provide a technique to design logical consensus systems that minimize the number of messages to be exchanged and the number of steps before consensus is reached, and that can tolerate a bounded number of failed or malicious agents. We provide sufficient joint conditions on the input visibility and the communication topology for the method's applicability. We describe the application of our method to two distributed network intrusion detecti…

Distributed Intrusion Detection for the Security of Industrial Cooperative Robotic Systems

Abstract This paper addresses the problem of detecting possible intruders in a group of autonomous robots which coexist in a shared environment and interact with each other according to a set of common rules. We consider intruders as robots which misbehave, i.e. do not follow the rules, because of either spontaneous failures or malicious reprogramming. Our goal is to detect intruders by observing the congruence of their behavior with the social rules as applied to the current state of the overall system. Moreover, in accordance with the fully distributed nature of the problem, the detection itself must be performed by individual robots, based only on local information. We present a general …

Distributed Multi-level Motion Planning for Autonomous Vehicles in Large Scale Industrial Environments

In this paper we propose a distributed coordination algorithm for safe and efficient traffic management of heterogeneous robotic agents, moving within dynamic large scale industrial environments. The algorithm consists of a distributed resource--sharing protocol involving a re--planning strategy. Once every agent is assigned with a desired motion path, the algorithm ensures ordered traffic flows of agents, that avoid inter--robot collision and system deadlock (stalls). The algorithm allows multi--level representation of the environment, i.e. large or complex rooms may be seen as a unique resource with given capacity at convenience, which makes the approach appealing for complex industrial e…

Generalized Fibonacci Dynamical Systems

In this paper we consider generalizations of dynamical systems that are based on the Fibonacci sequence. We first study stability properties of such systems for both the continuous and discrete–time case. Then, by considering the Kronecker operator, a further class of dynamical systems is introduced whose outputs can be used to define possible generalization of the golden section. Appli- cations of such system may range from realization of digital filters, manufacturing of tissue with fractal property, etc. Properties of sequences generated by these systems are partially considered and has to be further addressed.

A Planning and Control System for Self-Driving Racing Vehicles

Autonomous robots will soon enter our everyday life as self-driving cars. These vehicles are designed to behave according to certain sets of cooperative rules, such as traffic ones, and to respond to events that might be unpredictable in their occurrence but predictable in their nature, such as a pedestrian suddenly crossing a street, or another car losing control. As civilian autonomous cars will cross the road, racing autonomous cars are under development, which will require superior Artificial Intelligence Drivers to perform in structured but uncertain conditions. We describe some preliminary results obtained during the development of a planning and control system as key elements of an A…

Comparison of Model-Based Simultaneous Position and Stiffness Control Techniques for Pneumatic Soft Robots

Soft robots have been extensively studied for their ability to provide both good performance and safe human-robot interaction. In this paper, we present and compare the performance of two model-based control techniques with the common aim to independently and simultaneously control position and stiffness of a pneumatic soft robot’s joint. The dynamic system of a robot arm with flexible joints actuated by a pneumatic antagonistic pair of actuators, so-called McKibben artificial muscles, will be regarded, while its dynamic parameters will be considered imprecise. Simulation results are provided to verify the performance of the algorithms.

Enhancing Speed Loop PI Controllers with Adaptive Feed-forward Neural Networks: Application to Induction Motor Drives

This paper proposes the idea to improve the performance of the speed loop PI controller by using feed-forward and adaptive control actions. Indeed, when the system to be controlled is required to track a rapidly changing reference frame, higher bandwidth is usually required, making the system more sensitive to noise and consequently less robust. In such cases, to achieve a better performance in reference tracking while keeping noise rejection capacity, one idea is to use a feed-forward controller, employed to enhance the required tracking, leaving the feedback action to stabilize the system and suppress higher frequency disturbance. As such, this paper analysis the classical PI based field …

ROAD project: Robotics for assisted diving

The activities associated to underwater diving are of great importance in many areas. In the second half of the last century, diving technologies have greatly progressed, but diving is still characterized by significant risks, especially for professional divers who works at high depth, and limited practicability. The use of robotic systems and automatic procedures would allow, as in other situations where safety is of concern (for example, in case of hazardous works or in relation to hostile environments), a reliable monitoring and assessment of the physiological conditions of human operators during their activities. Moving from currently available technologies in underwater robotics, the R…

Erle-copter Simulation using ROS and Gazebo

The recent decrease in the price as well as size of semi-conductor logic and due to significant advancements in technologies such as microcontrollers, motors and sensors, the application of quadcopters in several fields has been achieved. However, testing of quadcopter prototypes still has a risk of damage due to faults and unexpected behavior. Hence, a method of testing of quadcopters in simulation mimicking the actual conditions of the real environment in an actual hardware test has been proposed. For this purpose, Gazebo simulator integrated with ROS has been chosen for the simulation of the path of the quadcopter. Moreover, the software Matlab/Simulink has been interfaced with Gazebo in…

Distributed Data Clustering via Opinion Dynamics

We provide a distributed method to partition a large set of data in clusters, characterized by small in-group and large out-group distances. We assume a wireless sensors network in which each sensor is given a large set of data and the objective is to provide a way to group the sensors in homogeneous clusters by information type. In previous literature, the desired number of clusters must be specified a priori by the user. In our approach, the clusters are constrained to have centroids with a distance at least ε between them and the number of desired clusters is not specified. Although traditional algorithms fail to solve the problem with this constraint, it can help obtain a better cluste…

Symbolic control for underactuated differentially flat systems

In this paper we address the problem of generating input plans to steer complex dynamical systems in an obstacle-free environment. Plans considered admit a finite description length and are constructed by words on an alphabet of input symbols, which could be e.g. transmitted through a limited capacity channel to a remote system, where they can be decoded in suitable control actions. We show that, by suitable choice of the control encoding, finite plans can be efficiently built for a wide class of dynamical systems, computing arbitrarily close approximations of a desired equilibrium in polynomial time. Moreover, we illustrate by simulations the power of the proposed method, solving the steer…

Stealthy Attacks in Cloud-Connected Linear Impulsive Systems

This paper studies a security problem for a class cloud-connected multi-agent systems, where autonomous agents coordinate via a combination of short-range ad-hoc commu- nication links and long-range cloud services. We consider a simplified model for the dynamics of a cloud-connected multi- agent system and attacks, where the states evolve according to linear time-invariant impulsive dynamics, and attacks are modeled as exogenous inputs designed by an omniscent attacker that alters the continuous and impulsive updates. We propose a definition of attack detectability, characterize the existence of stealthy attacks as a function of the system parameters and attack properties, and design a fami…

ROS/Gazebo Based Simulation of Co-operative UAVs

UAVs can be assigned different tasks such as e.g., rendez-vous and space coverage, which require processing and communication capabilities. This work extends the architecture ROS/Gazebo with the possibility of simulation of co-operative UAVs. We assume UAV with the underlying attitude controller based on the open-source Ardupilot software. The integration of the co-ordination algorithm in Gazebo is implemented with software modules extending Ardupilot with the capability of sending/receiving messages to/from drones, and executing the co-ordination protocol. As far as it concerns the simulation environment, we have extended the world in Gazebo to hold more than one drone and to open a specif…

Tolerating malicious monitors in detecting misbehaving robots

This paper considers a multi–agent system and focuses on the detection of motion misbehavior. Previous work by the authors proposed a solution, where agents act as local monitors of their neighbors and use locally sensed information as well as data received from other monitors. In this work, we consider possible failure of monitors that may send incorrect information to their neighbors due to spontaneous or even malicious malfunctioning. In this context, we propose a distributed software architecture that is able to tolerate such failures. Effectiveness of the proposed solution is shown through preliminary simulation results.

Decentralized intrusion detection for secure cooperative multi-agent systems

In this paper we address the problem of detecting faulty behaviors of cooperative mobile agents. A novel decentralized and scalable architecture that can be adopted to realize a monitor of the agents’ behavior is proposed. We consider agents which may perform different independent tasks, but cooperate to guarantee the entire system’s safety. Agents plan their next actions by following a set of rules which is shared among them. Such rules are decentralized, i.e. they dictate actions that depend only on configurations of neighboring agents. Some agents may not be acting according to this cooperation protocol, due to tampering or spontaneous failure. To detect such misbehaviors we propose a so…

Supplemental Material, sj-pdf-1-arx-10.1177_1729881421996974 - Trajectory robust control of autonomous quadcopters based on model decoupling and disturbance estimation

Supplemental Material, sj-pdf-1-arx-10.1177_1729881421996974 for Trajectory robust control of autonomous quadcopters based on model decoupling and disturbance estimation by Francesco Alonge, Filippo D’Ippolito, Adriano Fagiolini, Giovanni Garraffa and Antonino Sferlazza in International Journal of Advanced Robotic Systems

Decentralized Coordination System for Multiple AGVs in a Structured Environment

Abstract In this paper, we propose a decentralized coordination algorithm for safe and efficient management of a group of mobile robots following predefined paths in a dynamic industrial environment. The proposed algorithm is based on shared resources and proved to guarantee ordered traffic flows avoiding collisions and deadlocks. In consistency with the model of distributed robotic systems (DRS), no centralized mechanism, synchronized clock, shared memory or ground support is needed. A local inter-robot communication is required among a small number of spatially adjacent robotic units.

Robust Longitudinal Control of Self-Driving Racecar Models

This paper focuses on the control of longitudinal self-driving racecar models with model uncertainty and pro- poses a robust solution that comprises an online disturbance estimator and a nonlinear compensation control feedback law. By modeling all uncertainty with respect to a nominal model as suitably disturbance signals and afterward exploiting unknown- input state observer theory, a lean and fast estimator is derived for the racecar model. The estimator does not require a priori knowledge of the uncertainty. Closed-loop stability of the proposed controller ensuring the asymptotic reconstruction of the system state and disturbance inputs as well as asymptotic tracking of desired longitudi…

An Input Observer-Based Stiffness Estimation Approach for Flexible Robot Joints

This letter addresses the stiffness estimation problem for flexible robot joints, driven by variable stiffness actuators in antagonistic setups. Due to the difficulties of achieving consistent production of these actuators and the time-varying nature of their internal flexible elements, which are subject to plastic deformation over time, it is currently a challenge to precisely determine the total flexibility torque applied to a robot's joint and the corresponding joint stiffness. Herein, by considering the flexibility torque acting on each motor as an unknown signal and building upon Unknown Input Observer theory, a solution for electrically-driven actuators is proposed, which consists of …

ROS/Gazebo-Based Simulation of Quadcopter Aircrafts

The main purpose of this work is to present a tutorial description on how to design and develop an observer, which is capable of estimating the position and the orientation of a drone commanded by a controller, whose shape and structure are unknown. Starting from Newton's and Euler's laws, a mathematical model describing the dynamics of a quadcopter has first been obtained. By linearizing this model it is possible to implement a Luenberger observer and validate it with simulations in a Linux environment, thanks to the use of the Ardupilot controller and the Gazebo simulator. Finally, starting from the results obtained from the simulation, it is possible to evaluate the error made in the est…

Adaptive Control of Soft Robots Based on an Enhanced 3D Augmented Rigid Robot Matching

Despite having proven successful in generating precise motions under dynamic conditions in highly deformable soft-bodied robots, model based techniques are also prone to robustness issues connected to the intrinsic uncertain nature of the dynamics of these systems. This letter aims at tackling this challenge, by extending the augmented rigid robot formulation to a stable representation of three dimensional motions of soft robots, under Piecewise Constant Curvature hypothesis. In turn, the equivalence between soft-bodied and rigid robots permits to derive effective adaptive controllers for soft-bodied robots, achieving perfect posture regulation under considerable errors in the knowledge of …