Learning-Based Robust Bipartite Consensus Control for a Class of Multiagent Systems

This article studies the robust bipartite consensus problems for heterogeneous nonlinear nonaffine discrete-time multiagent systems (MASs) with fixed and switching topologies against data dropout and unknown disturbances. The controlled system’s virtual linear data model is first developed by employing the pseudopartial derivative technique, and a distributed combined measurement error function is established utilizing a signed graph theory. Then, an input gain compensation scheme is formulated to mitigate the effects of data dropout in both feedback and forward channels. Moreover, a data-driven learning-based robust bipartite consensus control (LRBCC) scheme based on a radial basis function neural network observer is proposed to estimate the unknown disturbance, using the online input/output data without requiring any information on the mathematical dynamics. The stability analysis of the proposed LRBCC approach is given. Finally, simulation and hardware testing results further demonstrate the designed method’s correctness and effectiveness.