Autotuning of PID controller using the modified relay feedback test and optimization under uncertainty principle for robotic manipulators

Abstract

Abstract The development of an autotuning mechanism for robotic manipulators, inspired by the success of autotuners in industrial systems, aims to reduce the time and cost of tuning robotic manipulators. This paper introduces an auto‐tuning method for PID controllers in robotic manipulators using the Modified Relay Feedback Test (MRFT) and the Optimization Under Uncertainty (OUU) principle. The mechanism is versatile, suitable for manipulators of varying scales and motor power capacities. It incorporates actuator dynamics and a combined model of Brushless DC motors with an n‐link manipulator for TR development. Various manipulator models, including commercial and open‐source types were used to refine and test the TR. An algorithm is also proposed for tuning commercial manipulators' controllers without changing the existing closed‐loop system structure. Experimental and simulation tests demonstrate the method's effectiveness, showing better performance than traditional approaches, particularly in reducing overshoot and settling time.