A varying-parameter complementary neural network for multi-robot tracking and formation via model predictive control

In this paper, a varying-parameter complementary neural network (VPCNN) is designed and combined with model predictive control (MPC) to solve the multi-robot tracking and formation problems via a leader–follower strategy. First, multi-robot tracking and formation problems are transformed into quadratic programming (QP) problems employing an MPC approach. Second, a nonlinear complementary function approach, i.e., the Fischer–Burmeister function, is used to map the Karush–Kuhn–Tucker conditions of the QP problem with double-ended inequality constraints to a system of nonlinear equations. Finally, the VPCNN is designed to solve the multi-robot tracking and formation problem. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by numerical simulations, and the advantage of VPCNN in terms of solution speed is indicated by comparisons with a primal–dual neural network. © 2024 Published by Elsevier B.V.