Application of Variable Universe Fuzzy PID Controller Based on ISSA in Bridge Crane Control

Bridge crane control systems are complex, multivariable, and nonlinear. However, traditional fuzzy PID control methods rely heavily on expert experience for initial parameter tuning and lack adaptive adjustment for the fuzzy universe. To address these issues, we propose a variable universe fuzzy PID controller based on the improved sparrow search algorithm (ISSA-VUFPID). First, tent chaotic mapping is introduced to initialize the sparrow population, enhancing the algorithm’s global search capability. Second, the positioning strategy of the northern goshawk exploration phase is integrated to improve the search thoroughness of sparrow discoverers within the solution space and to accelerate the optimization process. Last, an adaptive t-distribution perturbation strategy is employed to adjust the positions of sparrow followers, enhancing the algorithm’s optimization ability in the early search phase and focusing on local exploitation in the later phase to improve solution accuracy. The improved algorithm is applied to tune the initial parameters of the PID controller. Additionally, system error and its rate of change are introduced as dynamic parameters into the scaling factor, which is used to achieve adaptive adjustment of the fuzzy universe, thereby enhancing the safety and reliability of the control system. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed ISSA-VUFPID control method outperforms ISSA-FPID and ISSA-PID control methods. It reduces the trolley’s positioning time and minimizes the load’s maximum swing angle, demonstrating strong adaptability and robustness. This approach greatly enhances the robustness and safety of bridge crane operations.