Backstepping-Based Hybrid Target Tracking Control for a Carangiform Robotic Fish

Abstract

In this paper we apply backstepping technique to develop a novel hybrid target-tracking control scheme for a carangiform robotic fish, based on a dynamic model that combines rigid-body dynamics with Lighthill’s large-amplitude elongated-body theory. This hybrid controller consists of an open-loop turning controller and a closed-loop approaching controller. A hysteretic switching strategy based on the orientation error is designed. Using Lyapunov analysis, we show that the trajectory of the robotic fish will converge to the target point. The effectiveness of the proposed control strategy is demonstrated through both simulations and experiments.