Robust multi-group consensus via fixed-time dynamic event-triggered control with variable-exponent super-twisting algorithm

This paper uses a fixed-time (FxT) dynamic event-triggered control(DETC) framework to study distributed multi leader-follower multi-group consensus for multi-agent systems(MASs) under disturbances. A normalized state-dependent variable-exponent (SDVE) design, which avoids the conservative tuning associated with constant-exponent techniques and modifies the convergence rate online in accordance with the system evolution, enforces FxT convergence. To improve resilience against matching uncertainties and external perturbations, a variable-exponent super-twisting algorithm (VSTA) is devised on nonlinear sliding manifolds. In order to facilitate simultaneous intra-group agreement and inter-group coordination while tracking different leader trajectories, agents are divided into several groups and communicate over a complex-valued communication graph. The FxT control architecture incorporates a DETC mechanism that ensures consensus without constant information transmission, hence reducing communication overhead. By establishing a positive infimum of the inter-event intervals and guaranteeing global FxT group consensus using just local information, the suggested technique eliminates Zeno behavior. Comparative numerical studies with conventional sliding mode and event-triggered approaches demonstrate significant communication savings, enhanced resilience, faster convergence, and a substantial reduction in chattering.