Low-Computation Tracking Control of Nonlinear Systems With Asymmetric Full-State Constraints and Unknown Control Directions

This article considers the tracking control problem for an uncertain feedback nonlinear system with asymmetric time-varying full-state constraints and unknown control directions. We propose a new low-computation full-state constrained robust control algorithm, that removes the feasibility conditions of virtual controllers and solves the unknown control direction problem without using the Nussbaum gain technique. By introducing nonlinear transformation functions, the original constrained systems are converted into new unconstrained tracking error systems, and the new systems eliminate the limitation of the initial conditions. Then, to seek the correct control directions, an orientation function with error conversion is constructed, which avoids introducing Nussbaum-type functions and logic switching rules. The proposed method possesses inherent robustness against model uncertainties and disturbances, and guarantees that the full-state constraints and the tracking error of systems enter into a prescribed set in a fixed time. Finally, simulation examples are presented to demonstrate the superiority and effectiveness of the developed control algorithm.