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Tracking control of industrial manipulator based on adaptive RBF neural network with local model approximation
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  • Published: 09 January 2026

Tracking control of industrial manipulator based on adaptive RBF neural network with local model approximation

  • Guirong Han1,2,
  • Cai Huang1,
  • Wei Xiao1,
  • Yili Peng1,
  • Xubing Chen1 &
  • …
  • Zaiwu Mei1 

Scientific Reports , Article number:  (2026) Cite this article

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We are providing an unedited version of this manuscript to give early access to its findings. Before final publication, the manuscript will undergo further editing. Please note there may be errors present which affect the content, and all legal disclaimers apply.

Subjects

  • Engineering
  • Mathematics and computing

Abstract

A Lyapunov-stability-guaranteed local model adaptive RBF neural network control algorithm is proposed for industrial robots. This algorithm eliminates the need for an exact plant mathematical model, enabling real-time learning and compensation of system nonlinearities and uncertainties. An adaptive control law adjusts neural network parameters online to achieve high-precision tracking control of robot manipulators. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is employed to optimize the RBF basis width parameters. Validation was performed using the ABB IRB1600 industrial robot, modeled and simulated in MATLAB Simscape. Real-time trajectory tracking was demonstrated, with ADAMS co-simulation used for further verification. Results demonstrate the algorithm’s effectiveness in reducing tracking errors and enhancing robustness and adaptability, while maintaining stability within the Lyapunov framework.

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Data availability

The author confirms that all data generated or analyzed during this study are included in this published article or supplementary information files. Furthermore, primary and secondary sources and data supporting the findings of this study were all publicly available at the time of submission.

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Funding

This research was Funded by the National Science Foundation of China, grant number 52205536; funded by the Young Talent project of Scientific Research Plan of Education Department of Hubei Province, grant number Q20232301; funded by Wuhan Donghu High-tech Zone “Unveiling the List and Leading the Way” Project, grant number 2024KJB325.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Mechanical & Electrical Engineering, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan, 430205, Hubei, China

    Guirong Han, Cai Huang, Wei Xiao, Yili Peng, Xubing Chen & Zaiwu Mei

  2. School of Industrial Design, Hubei Institute of Fine Arts, Wuhan, 430205, Hubei, China

    Guirong Han

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  1. Guirong Han
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  2. Cai Huang
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Contributions

Conceptualization, G.H., Y.P. and X.C.; methodology, G.H.; investigation, G.H.; formal analysis, G.H.; writing-preparation of the original draft, G.H.; writing-review and editing, Y.P., X.C., C.H., W.X. and Z.M.; visualization, C.H.; validation, W.X.; resources, Z.M.; funding acquisition, Y.P. and X.C.; project administration, Y.P. and X.C. All authors discussed the results and contributed to the final manuscript.

Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Yili Peng or Xubing Chen.

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The authors declare no competing interests.

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Cite this article

Han, G., Huang, C., Xiao, W. et al. Tracking control of industrial manipulator based on adaptive RBF neural network with local model approximation. Sci Rep (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-34816-4

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  • Received: 30 July 2025

  • Accepted: 31 December 2025

  • Published: 09 January 2026

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-34816-4

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Keywords

  • Industrial robot
  • Local model approximation
  • PSO optimization
  • Adaptive RBF neural network control
  • Lyapunov stability
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