Residual learning–based model predictive control for mobile robot trajectory tracking

Accurate trajectory tracking control of mobile robots is a complex task due to inherent system nonlinearities, modeling uncertainties, and external disturbances. To tackle these challenges, this paper proposes a neural network-based residual learning approach (NNRes) for high-fidelity and efficient system modeling. Unlike full model learning, the NNRes framework focuses on learning only the residual error between a nominal physical model and the actual system dynamics, thus preserving prior knowledge while enhancing adaptability. This hybrid model, combining the physical model and learned residual, is embedded into a Nonlinear Model Predictive Control (NMPC) scheme to improve control accuracy and robustness. The proposed method is systematically compared with state-of-the-art methods: full model learning using NNs (NNFull) and residual learning using Gaussian Processes (GPRes). Comparative simulation results demonstrate that NNRes achieves superior trajectory tracking control performance, enhanced robustness, and lower computational cost. These findings validate the effectiveness of NNRes within NMPC frameworks and offer valuable insights for the intelligent control of complex robotic systems.