Skip to content

Discrete-time optimal tracking control for unknown nonlinear systems via a novel phase-error-based Q-learning method

Sep 2026 · International Journal of Control · Vol 99, pp. 3206 - 3221 · 0 citations · 24 references

TL;DR

A novel phase-error-based Q-learning algorithm is proposed to solve the optimal tracking control problems for unknown discrete-time nonlinear systems, which enables optimal tracking control without requiring system dynamics or pre-established effective control strategies.

Abstract

In this paper, a novel phase-error-based Q-learning algorithm is proposed to solve the optimal tracking control problems for unknown discrete-time nonlinear systems. For the first time, phase errors between the system state and the desired trajectory are incorporated into the performance index, which rigorously guarantees the asymptotic convergence of the tracking error to zero. Building on this index, a value-iteration-based Q-learning scheme is developed to derive the optimal tracking controller. The convergence of the iterative Q-function is rigorously proven, and a termination condition ensuring admissibility of the resulting policy is provided. Unlike existing adaptive dynamic programming (ADP) approaches, our method avoids pre-computed desired controls or initial admissible solutions. It enables optimal tracking control without requiring system dynamics or pre-established effective control strategies. Finally, two neural networks implement the algorithm and simulations complement the theoretical discussions.

View source

Similar papers

Review Sep 2026

Data-driven preview Q-learning for H∞ tracking control of unknown linear discrete-time systems.

Conventional tracking controllers relying only on the current tracking error may suffer from tracking lag when the reference trajectory changes rapidly. To address this problem, a data-driven preview Q-learning algorithm is presented for H∞ tracking control of unknown linear discrete-time systems. The algorithm integra...

Yu-Jie Su, Di Wang, Xiao-Yu Mi et al. · 0 citations
Oct 2026

Closed-Loop Dynamics Modeling and Knowledge-Based Control of Fractional-Order Systems With Output Constraints via Deterministic Learning.

This article addresses the problem of closed-loop dynamics learning and tracking control for a class of fractional-order (FO) nonlinear strict-feedback systems subject to output constraints. To cope with the inherent nonlinear uncertainties, an adaptive FO learning control strategy is developed based on deterministic l...

Wei-Tian He, Fu-Kai Zhang, Yan Li et al. · 0 citations
Sep 2026

Carleman approximation based adaptive optimal control design of nonlinear systems: A three-phase policy iteration approach.

A novel adaptive optimal controller design scheme for continuous-time nonlinear systems through neural network-based policy iteration through Carleman linearization, which allows the optimal feedback control to be derived from a state-dependent Riccati (SDR) equation rather than the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equation.

Jian-Guo Zhao, Zhi-Jiang Gao, Chun-Yu Yang et al. · 0 citations
Open access Sep 2026

Pure Feedback Control for Nonlinear Systems Based on Predefined-Time Performance Function

This paper investigates the predefined-time adaptive neural tracking control problem for a class of nonlinear pure feedback systems with full state constraints, and proves that all closed loop signals are predefined-time-bounded and the tracking error meets the preset performance specifications.

Yang Li, Ya-Qi Yu, Quan-Min Zhu et al. · 0 citations
Open access Sep 2026

Reinforcement-Learning Robust Tracking Control of Discrete-Time Systems with Diagonal Scaling

This paper addresses a robust tracking problem for linear discrete-time systems by proposing a reinforcement learning (RL) control method based on a diagonal-scaling strategy, offering a solution tailored to the demands of enhanced reliability. To overcome a common limitation in policy-iteration-based RL design, namely...

Kan-Yang Jiang, Zheng Gao, Ye Zeng et al. · 0 citations
Aug 2026

Reinforcement Learning-Based Predefined-Time Consensus Control for Uncertain Multirobot Systems with Improved Prescribed Performance Function

The proposed scheme is proven to ensure that all closed-loop signals are practically predefined-time stable with a preassignable settling-time upper bound and the effectiveness of the approach is validated through simulation results on multiple two-link manipulator systems.

Zhou Yang, Chao-Guang Li, Hai-Tao Liu · 0 citations

We use cookies to run the site and, with your consent, for analytics and to show ads. See our Cookie Policy.