Model adaptive reference tracking control for uncertain robotic manipulators with input disturbance

Abstract This article presents a simple approach for designing a linear adaptive controller, employing the model reference systems concept, to enable the tracking of uncertain robotic manipulators under the influence of input disturbances. The combined impact of model uncertainties and matched disturbances on the robot's behavior is considered as a total matched disturbance, attributed to a double integral system. Subsequently, a novel linear disturbance estimator, augmented by a feed‐forward correction term, is employed to estimate this lumped disturbance within the double integrator system. As a result of this procedure, the requisite adaptive law, based on the model reference system, is formulated for the nominal control parameter instead of arbitrary free‐parameter selections. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is theoretically justified and further supported by its application in the analysis of an active magnetic bearing system.