Decentralized RBFNN Type-2 Fuzzy Sliding Mode Controller for Robot Manipulator Driven by Artificial Muscles

In the few last years, investigations in neural networks, fuzzy systems and their combinations become attractive research areas for modeling and controlling of uncertain systems. In this paper, we propose a new robust controller based on the integration of a Radial Base Function Neural Network (RBFNN) and an Interval Type‐2 Fuzzy Logic (IT2FLC) for robot manipulator actuated by pneumatic artificial muscles (PAM). The proposed approach was synthesized for each joint using Sliding Mode Control (SMC) and named Radial Base Function Neural Network Type‐2 Fuzzy Sliding Mode Control (RBFT2FSMC). Several objectives can be accomplished using this control scheme such as: avoiding difficult modeling, attenuating the chattering effect of the SMC, reducing the rules number of the fuzzy control, guaranteeing the stability and the robustness of the system, and finally handling the uncertainties of the system. The proposed control approach is synthesized and the stability of the robot using this controller was analyzed using Lyapunov theory. In order to demonstrate the efficiency of the RBFT2FSMC compared to other control technique, simulations experiments were performed using linear model with parameters uncertainties obtained after identification stage. Results show the superiority of the proposed approach compared to RBFNN Type‐1 Fuzzy SMC. Finally, an experimental study of the proposed approach was presented using 2‐ DOF robot.