Robust control for a tracked mobile robot based on a finite-time convergence zeroing neural network

INTRODUCTION: Since tracked mobile robot is a typical non-linear system, it has been a challenge to achieve the trajectory tracking of tracked mobile robots. A zeroing neural network is employed to control a tracked mobile robot to track the desired trajectory. METHODS: A new fractional exponential activation function is designed in this study, and the implicit derivative dynamic model of the tracked mobile robot is presented, termed finite-time convergence zeroing neural network. The proposed model is analyzed based on the Lyapunov stability theory, and the upper bound of the convergence time is given. In addition, the robustness of the finite-time convergence zeroing neural network model is investigated under different error disturbances. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Numerical experiments of tracking an eight-shaped trajectory are conducted successfully, validating the proposed model for the trajectory tracking problem of tracked mobile robots. Comparative results validate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed model for the kinematical resolution of tracked mobile robots even in a disturbance environment.