Search

Gait disorders, muscle weakness, spinal cord injuries (SCIs) and other work-related disorders have increased the need for rehabilitation exoskeletons—specifically, for the hip because a huge percentage of mechanical power comes from the hip joint. However, realising a lightweight rehabilitation hip exoskeleton for mobility and at-home use with reliable control is challenging. The devices developed are restricted by a joint actuator and energy source design and tend to have various uncertainties. Thus, this study tested the robustness of four optimal controller cases in a simulation-based environment. We sought to determine whether the most robust optimal controller consumed less energy and demonstrated better performance in tracking the desired signal. The robustness of the optimal cases was tested with the hip torque signals of healthy subjects. The number of sit-to-stand (STS) instances and the walking distance at various speeds were calculated. The results showed that the most robust case controller was more energy efficient for STS, but not for walking activity. Furthermore, this study provides compelling evidence that various optimal controllers have different degrees of robustness and effects on energy consumption.

The traditional Linear quadratic regulator (LQR) control algorithm depends too much on expert experience during the selection of weighting coefficients. To solve this problem, we proposed a Genetic K-means clustering Linear quadratic (GKL) algorithm. Firstly, a 2-DOF 1/4 vehicle model and road input model are established. The weights of an LQR controller are optimized using a genetic algorithm. Then, a possible weighting space is constructed based on this optimal solution. Random weighting coefficients of each performance index are generated in this space. Next, LQR control for the 1/4 vehicle model is performed, and the simulation data are recorded automatically, with these random weighting values, different road classes, and driving speed. A machine learning dataset is built from these simulations. Finally, a K-means clustering algorithm is used to classify the LQR control active suspension into three performance modes: safety mode, comprehensive mode, and comfort mode. The optimal weighting matrix of each performance mode is determined to satisfy requirements for different types of drivers. The results show that the new GKL algorithm not only improves the suspension control effect but also realizes different performance modes. It can better adapt to the changes in driving conditions and drivers.

This paper presents the simulation and calculation-based aspect of constructing a dynamically stable, self-balancing electric monowheel from first principles. It further goes on to formulate a reference model-based adaptive control structure in order to maintain balance as well as the desired output. First, a mathematical model of the nonlinear system analyzes the vehicle dynamics, followed by an appropriate linearization technique. Suitable parameters for real-time vehicle design are calculated based on specific constraints followed by a proper motor selection. Various control methods are tested and implemented on the state-space model of this system. Initially, classical pole placement control is carried out in MATLAB to observe the responses. The LQR control method is also implemented in MATLAB and Simulink, demonstrating the dynamic stability and self-balancing system property. Subsequently, the system considers an extensive range of rider masses and external disturbances by introducing white noise. The parameter estimation of rider position has been implemented using Kalman Filter estimation, followed by developing an LQG controller for the system, in order to mitigate the disturbances caused by factors such as wind. A comparison between LQR and LQG controllers has been conducted. Finally, a reference model-assisted adaptive control structure has been established for the system to account for sudden parameter changes such as rider mass. A reference model stabilizer has been established for the same purpose, and all results have been obtained by running simulations on MATLAB Simulink.