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Learning MPC

Learning MPC

Model Predictive Control that learns system dynamics and improves performance through data-driven approaches, combining machine learning with predictive control.

Family: Model Predictive Control Status: šŸ“‹ Planned

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Overview

Learning MPC combines the predictive control framework with machine learning techniques to learn system dynamics and improve control performance over time. Unlike traditional MPC, which relies on pre-specified system models, Learning MPC uses data-driven approaches to identify system behavior and adapt the control strategy accordingly.

This approach is particularly valuable when system models are unknown, complex, or time-varying. Learning MPC can handle nonlinear systems, adapt to changing conditions, and improve performance through experience. The key challenge is to balance exploration (learning about the system) with exploitation (using learned knowledge for control) while maintaining stability and constraint satisfaction.

Mathematical Formulation

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Key Properties

Data-driven Learning

fĢ‚ ← Learn(D)

Learns system dynamics from data


Adaptive Control

U_k ← MPC(x(k), fĢ‚)

Adapts control strategy based on learned model


Uncertainty Quantification

fĢ‚(x,u) ± σ(x,u)

Provides uncertainty bounds for robust control


Key Properties

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  • Data-driven Learning


    Learns system dynamics from collected data

  • Adaptive Control


    Adapts control strategy based on learned knowledge

  • Uncertainty Quantification


    Provides uncertainty bounds for robust control

  • Exploration vs Exploitation


    Balances learning with control performance

  • Online Learning


    Continuously updates models during operation

Implementation Approaches

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Learning MPC using neural networks for system identification

Complexity:

  • Time: O(N³ + M)
  • Space: O(N² + M)

Advantages

  • Learns system dynamics from data

  • Adapts to changing system conditions

  • Handles unknown or complex systems

  • Improves performance over time

Disadvantages

  • Requires sufficient data for learning

  • May be unstable during learning phase

  • Computationally intensive due to learning

  • Requires careful tuning of learning parameters

Complete Implementation

The full implementation with error handling, comprehensive testing, and additional variants is available in the source code:

Complexity Analysis

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Time & Space Complexity Comparison

Approach Time Complexity Space Complexity Notes
Neural Network Learning MPC O(N³ + M) O(N² + M) Complexity depends on prediction horizon N and model size M

Performance Considerations

  • Learning adds computational overhead

  • Model complexity affects prediction accuracy

  • Memory requirements scale with data size

Use Cases & Applications

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Application Categories

Robotics and Mechatronics

  • Manipulator Control: Learning robot dynamics for precise control

  • Mobile Robot Navigation: Learning terrain and obstacle dynamics

  • Humanoid Robots: Learning balance and locomotion patterns

  • Industrial Robots: Learning task-specific dynamics

Automotive Systems

  • Autonomous Vehicles: Learning vehicle dynamics and traffic patterns

  • Engine Control: Learning combustion dynamics and fuel efficiency

  • Vehicle Dynamics: Learning tire and suspension characteristics

  • Hybrid Vehicles: Learning energy management strategies

Process Industries

  • Chemical Plants: Learning reactor dynamics and catalyst behavior

  • Oil Refineries: Learning distillation column dynamics

  • Power Plants: Learning boiler and turbine characteristics

  • Manufacturing: Learning production process dynamics

Aerospace Systems

  • Flight Control: Learning aircraft dynamics and aerodynamic effects

  • Spacecraft Guidance: Learning orbital dynamics and perturbations

  • UAV Control: Learning flight dynamics and environmental effects

  • Satellite Control: Learning attitude dynamics and disturbances

Energy Systems

  • Smart Grids: Learning power system dynamics and demand patterns

  • Renewable Energy: Learning wind and solar power generation

  • Battery Management: Learning battery aging and charging dynamics

  • Microgrids: Learning distributed energy resource dynamics

Educational Value

  • Control Theory: Learning-based control and adaptive systems

  • Machine Learning: Neural networks and system identification

  • Optimization: Real-time optimization with learned models

  • System Analysis: Data-driven modeling and uncertainty quantification

References & Further Reading

:material-book: Core Textbooks

:material-book:
Model Predictive Control: Theory, Computation, and Design
2017 • Nob Hill Publishing • ISBN 978-0-9759377-0-9
:material-book:
Reinforcement Learning: An Introduction
2018 • MIT Press • ISBN 978-0-262-03924-6

:material-library: Learning MPC Theory

:material-book:
Learning-based model predictive control: Toward safe learning in control
2020 • Annual Review of Control, Robotics, and Autonomous Systems • Volume 3, pages 269-296
:material-book:
Gaussian process model based predictive control
2004 • Proceedings of the 2004 American Control Conference • Pages 2214-2219

:material-web: Online Resources

:material-link:
Wikipedia article on MPC
:material-link:
Control Engineering article on neural network MPC
:material-link:
MATLAB Gaussian Process Regression documentation

:material-code-tags: Implementation & Practice

:material-link:
Deep learning framework for neural networks
:material-link:
Gaussian process library built on PyTorch
:material-link:
Machine learning library for Python

Interactive Learning

Try implementing the different approaches yourself! This progression will give you deep insight into the algorithm's principles and applications.

Pro Tip: Start with the simplest implementation and gradually work your way up to more complex variants.

Related Algorithms in Model Predictive Control:

  • Distributed MPC - Model Predictive Control for large-scale systems using distributed optimization and coordination between multiple local controllers to achieve global objectives.

  • Economic MPC - Model Predictive Control that optimizes economic objectives rather than tracking performance, focusing on profit maximization and cost minimization in process industries.

  • Robust MPC - Model Predictive Control that handles model uncertainty and disturbances through robust optimization techniques to ensure constraint satisfaction and stability.

  • Linear MPC - Model Predictive Control for linear time-invariant systems formulated as a Quadratic Programming problem with efficient real-time solution.

  • Nonlinear MPC - Model Predictive Control for nonlinear systems using Sequential Quadratic Programming to handle complex dynamics and constraints.

  • Model Predictive Control - Advanced control strategy that uses system models to predict future behavior and optimize control actions over a finite horizon while handling constraints.