To improve the tracking stability control of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), an intelligent control algorithm was proposed on the basis of an optimized radial basis function (RBF) neural network. The design process was as follows. First, the adaptation value and mutation probability were modified to improve the traditional optimization algorithm. Then, the improved genetic algorithms (GA) were used to optimize the network parameters online to improve their approximation performance. Additionally, the RBF neural network was used to approximate the function uncertainties of the USV motion system to eliminate the chattering caused by the uninterrupted switching of the sliding surface. Finally, an intelligent control law was introduced based on the sliding mode control with the Lyapunov stability theory. The simulation tests showed that the intelligent control algorithm can effectively guarantee the control accuracy of USVs. In addition, a comparative study with the sliding mode control algorithm based on an RBF network and fuzzy neural network showed that, under the same conditions, the stabilization time of the intelligent control system was 33.33% faster, the average overshoot was reduced by 20%, the control input was smoother, and less chattering occurred compared to the previous two attempts.

The purpose of this paper was to design an intelligent controller of ship motion based on sliding mode control with a Radial Basis Function (RBF) neural network optimized by the genetic algorithm and expansion observer. First, the improved genetic algorithm based on the distributed genetic algorithm with adaptive fitness and adaptive mutation was used to automatically optimize the RBF neural network. Then, with the compensation designed by the RBF neural network, anti-saturation control was realized. Additionally, the intelligent control algorithm was introduced by Sliding Mode Control (SMC) with the stability theory. A comparative study of sliding mode control integrated with the RBF neural network and proportional–integral–derivative control combined with the fuzzy optimization model showed that the stabilization time of the intelligent control system was 43.75% faster and the average overshoot was reduced by 52% compared with the previous two attempts. Background: It was known that the Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) control and self-adaptation control cannot really solve the problems of frequent disturbance from external wind and waves, as well as the problems with ship nonlinearity and input saturation. So, the previous ship motion controller should be transformed by advanced intelligent technology, on the basis of referring to the latest relevant patent design methods. Objective: An intelligent controller of ship motion was designed based on optimized Radial Basis Function Neural Network (RBFNN) in the presence of non-linearity, uncertainty, and limited input. Methods: The previous ship motion controller was remodeled based on Sliding Mode Control (SMC) with RBFNN optimized by improved genetic algorithm and expansion observer. The intelligent control algorithm integrated with genetic neural network solved the problem of system model uncertainty, limited control input, and external interference. Distributed genetic with adaptive fitness and adaptive mutation method guaranteed the adequacy of search and the global optimal convergence results, which enhanced the approximation ability of RBFNN. With the compensation designed by the optimized RBFNN, it was realized anti-saturation control. The chattering caused by external disturbance in SMC controller was reduced by the expansion observer. Results: A comparative study with RBFNN-SMC control and fuzzy-PID control, the stabilization time of the intelligent control system was 43.75% faster, the average overshoot was reduced by 52%, compared to the previous two attempts. Conclusion: The intelligent control algorithm succeed in dealing with the problems of nonlinearity, uncertainty, input saturation, and external interference. The intelligent control algorithm can be applied into research and development ship steering system, which would be created a new patent.

The differential evolution algorithm (DEA)-based iterative sliding mode control (ISMC) method was proposed for the path tracking problem of three-degree-of-freedom (3-DoF) underactuated ships under external interference, with the nonlinear separate model proposed by mathematical model group (MMG). To improve control quality and enhance robustness of the control system, a swarm intelligence optimization algorithm is used to design a controller parameter optimization system. The DEA was adopted in the system to solve the minimum system evaluation index function, and the optimal controller parameters are acquired. Considering the impact of chattering on the actual project, a chattering measurement function is defined in the controller design and used as an input of the controller parameter optimization system. Finally, the 5446TEU container ship is carried out for simulation. It is verified that the designed controller with strong robustness can effectively deal with the disturbances; meanwhile, the chattering of the output is significantly reduced, and the control rudder angle signal conforms to the actual operation requirements of the ship and is more in line with the engineering reality.

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