Model predictive and adaptive neural sliding mode control for three-dimensional path following of autonomous underwater vehicle with input saturation

With model uncertainties and input saturation, a novel control method is developed to steer an underactuated autonomous underwater vehicle that realizes the following of the planned path in three-dimensional (3D) space. Firstly, Serret–Frenet frame is applied as virtual target, and the path following errors model in 3D is built. Secondly, the control method which includes kinematic controller and dynamic controller was presented based on cascade control strategy. The kinematic controller, which is responsible for generating a series of constrained velocity signals, is designed based on model predictive control. The adaptive radial basis function neural network is used to estimate the model uncertainty caused by hydrodynamic parameters. Moreover, sliding mode control technology is applied in the design of dynamic controller to improve its robustness. Then, the control effect is compared with that of LOS guidance law and PID controller by simulation experiment. The comparison results show that the proposed algorithm can improve path following effect and reduce input saturation.