Decentralized intelligent PID based controller tuned by evolutionary algorithm for double link flexible robotic manipulator with experimental validation

In this paper, a development of decentralized intelligent proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller for multi input multi output (MIMO) controller of double link flexible robotics manipulator is presented. Simultaneous optimization method is implemented in optimizing the parameters The controllers are incorporated with optimization algorithm that is PSO to find out the parameters of the PID controllers. Numerical simulation was carried out in MATLAB/Simulink to evaluate the system in term of tracking capability and vibration suppression for both links. The optimal values of PID controller parameters that were achieved via off-line tuning using PSO were tested experimentally on the DLFRM experimental test rig. Experimental results show that the proposed control algorithm managed to control the system to reach desired angle for both hub at lower overshoot. Meanwhile, the vibration reduction shows improvement for both link 1 and 2. This signifies that, the PSO algorithm is very effective in optimizing the PID parameters for double link flexible robotics manipulator.