Quaternion-based trajectory tracking robust control for a quadrotor

TLDR: A sliding mode block control algorithm based on the super twisting algorithm using unit quaternion feedback is applied to the dynamic model of the quadrotor helicopter to ensure robustness against external disturbances and model uncertainties.

Abstract: This paper tackles the problem of trajectory tracking problem of a quadrotor. A sliding mode block control algorithm based on the super twisting algorithm using unit quaternion feedback is applied to the dynamic model of the quadrotor helicopter. The derivative of the virtual control inputs are obtained using exact first order differentiator, and the aerodynamic forces and moments acting on the quadrotor are estimated via a sliding mode observer to ensure robustness against external disturbances and model uncertainties. Moreover, a comparison of the computational complexity of the controller between the proposed control scheme and the one considering Euler angles is carried out. The stability proof showing the asymptotic stability of the proposed control scheme is presented. Simulations show the good performance of the proposed control scheme.