Key research themes
1. How can neural networks be designed and trained to achieve robust control and trajectory tracking for nonlinear robotic manipulators and vehicles without precise system models?
This line of research focuses on developing neural control strategies that handle system uncertainties, nonlinearities, and varying environmental conditions in robotic systems, such as manipulators and mobile robots. These methods typically avoid relying on exact dynamic models, instead leveraging online learning algorithms, adaptive neural networks, or robust control frameworks to ensure stability, accurate trajectory tracking, and disturbance rejection. They are essential as obtaining precise system dynamics is often impractical, and real-world robots require adaptive control to manage uncertainties.
2. How can biologically inspired neural architectures and principles improve decision-making and motor control in robots?
This research area investigates the design of neural controllers and architectures inspired by biological systems, such as insect nervous systems, cortical circuits, and neural oscillators. The goal is to emulate natural mechanisms for decision-making, sensory integration, and motor pattern generation to enable robots to perform complex behaviors like obstacle avoidance, exploration, and adaptive locomotion. Such neuro-inspired controllers leverage neural circuit models including winner-take-all, lateral inhibition, and central pattern generators to create robust and flexible robotic control.
3. What are the methodologies for integrating neural networks with classical control components like PID, fuzzy logic, or Kalman filtering to enhance control system performance?
Research within this theme explores hybrid control architectures that combine neural networks with established control methodologies, such as PID controllers, fuzzy logic, or Kalman filters. The aim is to leverage neural networks' learning and nonlinear approximation capabilities to adapt and tune traditional controllers for better performance under uncertainties and noise. This integration addresses drawbacks of classical schemes, improves robustness, enhances control accuracy, and sometimes provides biologically plausible implementations.