Hierarchical sliding mode-based adaptive fuzzy control for uncertain switched under-actuated nonlinear systems with input saturation and dead-zone

Purpose This paper aims to study the issues of adaptive fuzzy control for a category of switched under-actuated systems with input nonlinearities and external disturbances. Design/methodology/approach A control scheme based on sliding mode surface with a hierarchical structure is introduced to enhance the responsiveness and robustness of the studied systems. An equivalent control and switching control rules are co-designed in a hierarchical sliding mode control (HSMC) framework to ensure that the system state reaches a given sliding surface and remains sliding on the surface, finally stabilizing at the equilibrium point. Besides, the input nonlinearities consist of non-symmetric saturation and dead-zone, which are estimated by an unknown bounded function and a known affine function. Findings Based on fuzzy logic systems and the hierarchical sliding mode control method, an adaptive fuzzy control method for uncertain switched under-actuated systems is put forward. Originality/value The “cause and effect” problems often existing in conventional backstepping designs can be prevented. Furthermore, the presented adaptive laws can eliminate the influence of external disturbances and approximation errors. Besides, in contrast to arbitrary switching strategies, the authors consider a switching rule with average dwell time, which resolves control problems that cannot be resolved with arbitrary switching signals and reduces conservatism.