Search

This paper proposes a novel importance-based persistent coverage for environments with hotspots. Multiple quadrotors are utilized to maintain coverage while acquiring high-quality information over prioritized regions by lowering the altitude. To achieve this, the approach utilizes distributed communication protocols and cost functions to address the tradeoff between wider coverage and better quality information. The cost functions determine three-dimensional waypoints based on coverage levels, sensor resolution, and Euclidean distance. Voronoi tessellations are used locally for efficient computation and collision avoidance. Trajectories of the quadrotors are generated based on quadrotor dynamics using error functions that take into account state information and desired waypoints. The proposed approach is validated through simulations, comparisons, and experiments for multi-agent systems under quadrotor dynamics. Further, metrics of performance analysis are formulated that show consistent coverage levels and differences to assess the novel importance-based approach. The simulations and experiments demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the approach, with prioritized regions receiving higher sensor resolution while maintaining persistent coverage of the environment. • Novel importance-based persistent coverage for information acquisition over hotspots. • Quadrotor waypoints based on information resolution and decaying environmental costs. • Distributed communication protocols for scalability and low computational complexity. • Real-time importance-based persistent coverage for multi-quadrotor dynamical systems. • Proposed coverage with varying velocities is verified by simulation and experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the fixed-time consensus of second-order multi-agent systems subject to matched and mismatched disturbances. The derivatives of disturbances are assumed to be bounded. A novel integral sliding mode-based observer is presented by utilizing the super-twisting algorithm to estimate the agent states. The estimations can achieve the convergence to the leader in a fixed time. Furthermore, the corresponding fixed-time controller is developed to make the agents converge to the estimated states. As the estimated states converge to the leader, the agents will track the leader states with the help of estimated states. In addition, the overall convergence of multi-agent systems is non-monotonic due to the disturbances. It is theoretically shown that the proposed control approach can maintain a bounded convergence and get the consensus of multi-agent systems in a fixed time. Some simulations are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The event-triggered time-varying formation tracking for a class of second-order multi-agent systems (MASs) subject to a non-cooperative leader is investigated in this paper. First, in the presence of the unknown input of the leader and external disturbances, a distributed observer with adaptive parameters is put forward for followers to estimate the velocity tracking error. Then, based on the estimated tracking error and an auxiliary variable, a finite time formation controller is further constructed, which is updated depending on a pre-designed event-triggered mechanism. As a result, the desired time-varying formation configuration can be realized in finite time with less communication resource consumption. It's noted that the constructed formation strategy doesn't rely on any global information and thus is fully distributed. The stability of the controlled multi-agent system is proved rigorously and it's verified that event-triggered intervals are with a positive lower bound. At last, simulations are carried out to illustrate the effectiveness of the presented algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper solves the finite-time consensus problem for discrete time multi-agent systems (MASs) where agents update their values via linear iteration and the interactions between them are described by signed digraphs. A sufficient condition is presented that the agents can reach consensus on any given linear function of multiple initial signals in finite time, i.e., there exists an eventually positive Laplacian-based matrix associated with the underlying graph. We prove that the linear iterative framework "ratio consensus" developed for unsigned graphs in the literature can be extended to the computation for signed graphs with appropriate modifications. Our method weakens the limitation of the iterative framework on the "marginal Schur stability" of the weight matrix without increasing the computational complexity. Reaching average consensus on unsigned graphs as in the literature is regarded as a special case of our algorithm. Two illustrative examples are presented to demonstrate the correctness of the proposed results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a resilient distributed consensus algorithm is proposed based on multi-agent system to defend against the Byzantine attack. Two attack scenarios including node attack and edge attack are considered and the differences between them are described, in which the edge attack scenario is seldom considered before. The assumption for a network under g -local attacks is relaxed from (2 g + 1) -robust directed graph to (g + 1) -robust one based on a novel filtering method. The convergence and optimality are guaranteed by theoretical analysis, which ensures all the agents without attack can make an agreement and converge to a certain range. The simulation results show that for the two attack scenarios, the proposed algorithm can converge to the optimal solution of the compensation problem and the original problem, respectively. The proposed algorithm is more effective and has faster convergence speed compared with the contrast one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the distributed consensus seeking of multi-agent systems (MASs) with discrete-time control updating and intermittent communications among agents. Compared with existing linearly coupled protocols, a nonlinear coupled Zeno-free event-triggered controller is first proposed, which is further to project the static and dynamic triggering mechanisms exploited by using the deadband control method. Then, the node-based nonlinear coupled adaptive event-triggered controller with online self-tuning of time-varying coupling weight and its corresponding to static and dynamic deadband-based event-triggered mechanisms are designed, respectively. The exploited adaptive event-triggered controller does not rely on any global information of interaction structure and is implemented in a fully distributed fashion. In addition, two dynamic proposals not only cover existing static strategies as special cases, but also show that the minimal inter-execution time of dynamic one is not smaller than that of static one. Theoretical analysis shows that the proposed static and dynamic deadband-based event-triggered mechanisms can not only ensure the average consensus with Zeno-freeness, but also achieve the data reduction of communication and control. Finally, the proposed algorithms applied to circuit implementation are corroborated to prove its practical merits and validity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers the constrained finite-time consensus control problem for second-order multi-agent systems with leaderless and leader–follower. By using the saturated controller design method and homogenous system theory, a finite-time consensus algorithm for multi-agent systems is proposed. Compared with the existing results, the proposed consensus algorithm makes the closed-loop system not only finite-time convergence but also satisfies the velocity constraints and input saturations. Simulation examples show the effectiveness of the proposed consensus algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distributed coordination of multi-agent systems (MASs) has been investigated for many years, and fractional-order calculus has been proved that it can model the dynamics more accurately in certain circumstances. Hence, in this paper, combining the above two aspects, the distributed coordination of fractional-order MASs (FOMASs) is researched, which is a promising topic. Besides, in this paper, the uncertainty, inherent nonlinearity and external disturbances are taken into consideration, aiming at achieving the robust consensus tracking. In particular, the uncertain parameters will be identified from an optimization perspective using artificial bee colony algorithm (ABC). Firstly, to ameliorate the performance of the standard ABC, a hybrid ABC (hABC) incorporating two groups of searching mechanisms is designed, it facilitates the identification of unknown parameters. After obtaining the identified parameters, an efficient distributed nonlinear controller is raised to fulfill the robust consensus tracking. Finally, experiments prove that the designed parameters identification approach can successfully estimate the uncertain parameters with high accuracy, besides the designed control algorithm can robustly control the FOMASs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the finite-time and fixed-time bipartite average tracking (BAT) problems in multi-agent systems (MASs) subject to bounded disturbances. A novel non-smooth protocol is first constructed on the basis of utilizing the finite-time control method, which can realize the finite-time BAT with structurally balanced graph. Then, the fixed-time BAT problem is dealt with nonlinear fixed-time algorithm, the setting time of which is obtained without depending on initial states. By employing Lyapunov stability theory, some sufficient criteria are obtained to achieve the finite-time and fixed-time BAT for MASs with disturbances. Numerical examples are finally developed for illustration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we address the distributed convex optimization problems for multi-agent systems. In our research, it is assumed that each agent in the multi-agent system could merely interact with its neighbors via a directed graph and is available to its own cost function. We then utilize the push-sum distributed dual averaging (PS-DDA) algorithm to tackle with the distributed optimization problem. However, we consider that there exist subgradient delays in PS-DDA algorithm. The proof of the main result which shows that the PS-DDA algorithm with subgradient delays converges and the error possesses sublinear growth of a rate O (τ 2 T − 0.5) , where T denotes the total amount of iterations, is detailed presented in this paper. Finally, a numerical example is simulated to show the performance of the algorithm we study in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes two kinds of algorithms to achieve privacy-preserving consensus of multi-agent systems over undirected graphs via node decomposition mechanism and homomorphic cryptography technique. Based on the number of neighboring nodes (|Ni|), every agent is decomposed into |Ni| subagents, which are connected as a chain graph. Note that every subagent connects one and only one non-homologous subagent (generated by different agents). Information interaction between non-homologous subagents is encrypted by a homomorphic cryptography algorithm, and homologous subagents exchange information directly. In this regard, the proposed node decomposition mechanism enhances the privacy of the initial values without increasing the computational complexity of encryption. The first privacy-preserving algorithm can achieve the accurate average consensus, which means that the agreement value of every subagent is consistent with the original average consensus value. The second algorithm studies the privacy-preserving scaled consensus problem without a priori knowledge about the underlying graph. Although the final convergence values of subagents do not keep exactly the same, homologous subagents can compute the original group decision value by resorting to the product of the limit value and agent’s degree. Importantly, this algorithm also guarantees the privacy of group decision value of the whole system. Besides, it is proved that the privacy of the initial value can be preserved if the agent has at least one neutral neighbor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers a nonsmooth constrained distributed convex optimization over multi-agent systems. Each agent in the multi-agent system only has access to the information of its objective function and constraint, and cooperatively minimizes the global objective function, which is composed of the sum of local objective functions. A novel continuous-time algorithm is proposed to solve the distributed optimization problem and effectively characterize the appropriate gain of the penalty function. It should be noted that the proposed algorithm is based on an adaptive strategy to avoid introducing the primal-dual variables and estimating the related exact penalty parameters. Additional, it is demonstrated that the state solution of the proposed algorithm achieves consensus and converges to an optimal solution of the optimization problem. Finally, numerical simulations are given and the proposed algorithm is applied to solve the optimal placement problem and energy consumption problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we consider the predefined-time distributed optimization problems of homogeneous and heterogeneous linear multi-agent systems under undirected and connected communication topologies, in which, all agents share coupled equality constraint. In order to make all agents converge to the optimal output at predefined-time cooperatively, we propose two distributed algorithms for homogeneous and heterogeneous multi-agent systems according to time-base generator technology and output feedback, therein, the optimal output can make the global cost function reach minimum. In the design of the algorithms, the control gains are not required, which can avoid the requirement of some global information in advance. Furthermore, all agents converge to the optimal output with exponential speed, and we can set the convergence time arbitrarily. Finally, we provide examples to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed distributed algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the optimal output synchronization of heterogeneous multi-agent systems is studied. To overcome the shortcoming of previous methods that require system model, a data-based optimal control policy is proposed for the output synchronization problem. Besides, the intrinsic equivalence relationship between model-based optimal solution and the proposed data-based optimal solution is proved. To solve the proposed control policy, a reinforcement learning algorithm based on measured input-output data is presented, which is different from existing model-free algorithms based on internal state. According to the algorithm, the optimal output synchronization problem of heterogeneous multi-agent systems can be solved when the full-state vector is unavailable. Finally, the effectiveness of proposed algorithm is verified by simulation examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on designing a leader-following event-triggered control scheme for a category of multi-agent systems with nonlinear dynamics and signed graph topology. First, an event-triggered controller is proposed for each agent to achieve fixed-time bipartite consensus. Then, it is shown that the Zeno-behavior is rejected in the proposed algorithm. To avoid intensive chattering due to the discontinuous controller, the control protocol is improved by estimating the sign function. Moreover, a triggering function is proposed which avoids continuous communication in the event-based strategy. Finally, numerical simulations are given to show the accuracy of the theoretical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the affine formation control problem for multi-agent systems with prescribed convergence time is investigated. Firstly, on the basis of a time-varying scaling function, a distributed continuous control algorithm is designed, under which a stationary affine formation of the nominal configuration is able to be achieved within a prescribed time. Secondly, to track a time-varying formation within the prescribed time, a distributed control protocol is proposed by employing a leader–follower control strategy. Furthermore, the boundary layer technique is adopted to avoid chattering effect. Finally, simulation examples are provided to demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper researches the output consensus problem of heterogeneous linear multi-agent systems with cooperative and antagonistic interactions. Two fixed-time state compensator control approaches, one static dynamic and the other distributed adaptive dynamic, are considered for heterogeneous systems subject to logarithmic quantization. Then, a fixed-time output regulation control protocol is constructed to cope with the problem of bipartite output consensus and adaptive fixed-time output consensus of heterogeneous systems which is fully distributed without any global information. Besides, the fully distributed adaptive algorithm is employed to calculate the system matrix of leader and it's also effectively eliminated the harmful chattering. Finally, two simulations are carried out to testify the feasibility of theoretical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the problem of identifying the interaction geometry of a set of agents, whose collective goal are to achieve consensus under an agreement protocol. By classifying agents into different subsets based on their behavior, as well as introducing the so-called input and output agents, a relationship between the transfer function matrix and the identifiability of system parameters is established. Specifically, two cases are considered. If the set of input agents coincides with the set of output agents, the number of edges in the input agent set, in the complement of input agent set, and between these two sets can be uniquely identified. Thus, the search space of feasible graphs becomes much smaller. The problem can be solved in polynomial time, and an algorithm is provided. Moreover, if all the agents in the system are output agents, parameters of the system can be uniquely identified, and an algebraic method is given to exactly recover the graph topology. A numerical example illustrates the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For multi-agent system (MAS), most of existing iterative learning control (ILC) algorithms consider about the tracking of reference defined over the whole trial interval, while the point-to-point (P2P) task, where the emphasis is placed on the tracking of intermediate time points, has not been explored. Thus, a distributed ILC method is proposed, in which each agent updates the feedforward control input by learning from the experience of itself and its neighbors in previous repeated tasks to achieve the goal of improving performance. In addition, for the sake of reducing the burden of data transmission in MAS, effective data quantization is essential. In this case, the quantitative measurement of the error of the tracking time points is further used in the ILC updating law. In order to accommodate this requirement, a distributed point-to-point iterative learning control (P2PILC) with tracking error quantization for MAS is first proposed in this paper. A necessary and sufficient condition is presented for the asymptotical stability of the proposed algorithm, and simulation results show the effectiveness of it finally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we consider the distributed optimization problems with linear coupling constraint of general homogeneous and heterogeneous linear multi-agent systems under weighted-balanced and strongly connected digraphs. In order to control all agents converge to the optimal output, we propose distributed control laws, therein, the optimal output can make the global cost function reach minimum. Then we guarantee the convergence of the proposed algorithms by the properties of Laplacian matrix and Lyapunov stability theorem. Furthermore, we extend the result of heterogeneous linear multi-agent system to the case that dynamics of agents are subject to external disturbances, and prove that the algorithm designed by internal model principle can make all agents reach the optimal output exactly. Finally, we provide examples to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed distributed algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predefined mymargin finite-time output containment control problem for nonlinear multi-agent systems with multiple dynamical leaders under directed topology is investigated, where the outputs of followers can converge to the predefined convex hull formed by the multiple leaders within a finite time, and the leaders can have unknown control inputs. Firstly, for the directed topological structure among the followers, a distributed adaptive observer is designed to estimate the whole states of all the leaders under the influences of the leaders’ unknown inputs. By utilizing Hardy’s inequality and common Lyapunov theory, the finite-time convergence of the proposed observer is proved. On the basis of this conclusion, a predefined distributed containment control protocol including the desired convex combinations of the leaders is developed for each follower by using the given weights. Then an algorithm is proposed to design the control parameters in the proposed containment control protocol. With the help of the output regulation theory, the finite-time output containment criterion for nonlinear multi-agent systems in the presence of the leaders’ unknown inputs is derived. Finally, a numerical simulation example is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]