Intelligent Flapping Wing Control

Reinforcement Learning for the DelFly

Master Thesis (2017)
Author(s)

Menno Goedhart (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)

Contributor(s)

Erik-jan van Kampen – Mentor

Sophie Armanini – Mentor

Coen de Visser – Mentor

Alexei Sharpans'kykh – Coach

Qiping Chu – Graduation committee member

Faculty
Aerospace Engineering
More Info
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Publication Year
2017
Language
English
Graduation Date
23-06-2017
Awarding Institution
Delft University of Technology
Programme
Aerospace Engineering
Faculty
Aerospace Engineering
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Abstract

Flight control of the DelFly is challenging, because of its complex dynamics and variability due to manufacturing inconsistencies. Machine Learning algorithms can be used to tackle these challenges. A Policy Gradient algorithm is used to tune the gains of a Proportional-Integral controller using Reinforcement Learning. Furthermore, a novel Classification Algorithm for Machine Learning control (CAML) is presented, which uses model identification and a neural network classifier to select from several predefined gain sets. The algorithms show comparable performance when considering variability only, but the Policy Gradient algorithm is more robust to noise, disturbances, nonlinearities and flapping motion.

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