Optimal tuning of interval type-2 fuzzy controllers for nonlinear servo systems using Slime Mould Algorithm

This paper presents a novel application of the metaheuristic Slime Mould Algorithm (SMA) to the optimal tuning of interval type-2 fuzzy controllers. Inserting the information feedback model F1 in SMA leads to a new version of the metaheuristic algorithm, further referred to as SMAF1. The paper discusses implementation details specific to interval type-2 fuzzy controllers for the position control of processes modelled by nonlinear servo systems with an integral component and dead zone plus saturation nonlinearity. The linear PI controllers are tuned on the basis of the Extended Symmetrical Optimum method using only one tuning parameter and next fuzzified to result in interval type-2 fuzzy controllers. The optimisation requires the minimisation of a discrete-time objective function expressed as the sum of time multiplied by squared control errors, and the vector variable is the parameter vector of the Mamdani PI fuzzy controller. Experimental results conclusively illustrate the superiority of SMAF1 and SMA in comparison with other metaheuristic algorithms.