On-line optimal tracking control of continuous-time systems

An on-line optimal tracking control with a quadratic performance index is developed for nonlinear continuous-time systems under control constraints. The systems are represented by a linear sequential model which is derived by using the orthogonal functions. This approach permits the linear feedback control law to be applied to nonlinear continuous-time systems. The on-line optimal tracking control of a two-link robot arm system with control constraints is presented to illustrate the considerable promise that the proposed method exhibits.