Tracking control for strict-feedback nonlinear systems with time-varying full state constraints

This paper focuses on the tracking control problem for strict-feedback nonlinear systems subject to asymmetric time-varying full state constraints. Time-varying asymmetric barrier Lyapunov functions are employed to ensure time-varying constraint satisfaction. By allowing the barriers to vary with the desired trajectory in time, the initial condition requirements are relaxed. High-order coupling terms caused by backstepping are cancelled through a novel variable substitution for the first time. Besides the normal case, where the full knowledge of the system is available, we also handle scenarios of parametric uncertainties. Asymptotic tracking is achieved without violation of any constraints, and all signals in the closed-loop system are ultimately bounded. State-constrained systems with input saturation and bounded disturbances are also considered; the tracking error converges to a bounded set around zero. The performance of the asymmetric-barrier-Lyapunov-function-based control is illustrated through a numerical example.