Robust iterative learning model predictive control for repetitive motion of maglev planar motor

Abstract This paper presents a robust iterative learning model predictive control (RILMPC) scheme for repetitive trajectory tracking of a magnetically levitated (maglev) planar motor. The motivation lies in the improvement of tracking performance and disturbance rejection ability for the maglev system. Relying on the past error in the repetitive motion, the model discrepancy is persistently compensated with iterations to improve the prediction accuracy. The cost function that serves as the upper bound of the tracking error is then derived from the past control trajectory based on the Lipschitz property of disturbances. In the proposed RILMPC scheme, a minimal robust positive invariant set is introduced into the MPC optimisation to cope with unmodeled dynamics and disturbances. Furthermore, it is theoretically shown that the perturbed closed‐loop system is stable, and the proposed RILMPC scheme is recursively feasible with perfect tracking performance under some conditions. Finally, comparative experiments carried out on a maglev planar motor demonstrate that the proposed control strategy possesses satisfactory transient/steady‐state tracking performance and robustness against disturbances.