Immersion and Invariance-Based Linear Tracking and Regulation Controller for Depth Position of an AUV

This paper addresses the tracking control challenge in the diving motion system of a specific class of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) characterized by a torpedo-like shape. A decoupled and reduced-order three degrees-of-freedom linearized diving motion model is employed for depth position control. A control law is synthesized using the immersion and invariance (I&I) technique to achieve the control objectives. The primary aim is to attain tracking by immersing a stable, lower-order target (second-order) dynamic system into a three-dimensional manifold, upon which the closed-loop system evolves. We address the regulation problem as a specialized instance of the tracking problem, with the reference input set as a predetermined known depth that requires regulation. The efficacy of the proposed control law is evaluated through simulation studies involving various scenarios. Robustness tests are conducted to assess the control law’s performance under modeling uncertainties and underwater disturbances. The computer simulation employs an AUV named MAYA, utilizing experimentally validated diving motion parameters. A comparative analysis is performed between the proposed control law and other benchmark controllers to gauge its performance. Additionally, the effectiveness of the proposed control law is confirmed by validating its application to the nonlinear model of the diving motion system.