Robust output tracking of nonlinear systems with transient improvement via funnel-based sliding mode control

This paper studies a new procedure for robust tracking of nonlinear systems. This procedure is based on the combination of the sliding mode control and the funnel control, which in addition to the robust performance of the closed-loop system in the face of model uncertainties and/or external disturbances also leads to improvement of the characteristics of the transient responses. Using funnel control and the appropriate choice of the funnel can affect the convergence rate and overshoot. In this regard, a theorem has been presented and the effective performances of the suggested controller have been guaranteed in various respects based on exact mathematical analysis. Simulations have also been carried out to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed approach and to verify the theoretical achievements of the paper despite model uncertainties and external disturbances.