Zero-Shot Sim2Real Transfer of Deep Reinforcement Learning Controller for Tower Crane System

Mohammed B. Mohiuddin, Abdel Gafoor Haddad, Igor Boiko, Yahya Zweiri

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Control of nonlinear systems is a challenging task that often requires linearization, which limits the operating envelope. Moreover, designing a controller for such nonlinear systems requires complex tuning rules and expert system knowledge. Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) has been used as a controller for nonlinear systems. However, its applicability is hindered by the Sim2Real gap, an issue where the DRL agent trained in simulation does not transfer to reality. In this work, we propose using DRL for the control of nonlinear systems across the Sim2Real gap by utilizing a detailed dynamic model of the nonlinear system. To demonstrate the proposed methodology, we use a tower crane as the nonlinear system of interest. The control policy of the DRL agent is learned rather than explicitly programmed. To highlight the effectiveness of the proposed DRL-based controller, the results are compared with the PI controller. The experimental results presented demonstrate the successful Sim2Real transfer and effectiveness of the proposed approach.

Original languageBritish English
Title of host publicationIFAC-PapersOnLine
EditorsHideaki Ishii, Yoshio Ebihara, Jun-ichi Imura, Masaki Yamakita
PublisherElsevier B.V.
Pages10016-10020
Number of pages5
Edition2
ISBN (Electronic)9781713872344
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jul 2023
Event22nd IFAC World Congress - Yokohama, Japan
Duration: 9 Jul 202314 Jul 2023

Publication series

NameIFAC-PapersOnLine
Number2
Volume56
ISSN (Electronic)2405-8963

Conference

Conference22nd IFAC World Congress
Country/TerritoryJapan
CityYokohama
Period9/07/2314/07/23

Keywords

  • Control of constrained systems
  • Mechatronic systems
  • Reinforcement learning and deep learning in control
  • Simulation to reality transfer

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Zero-Shot Sim2Real Transfer of Deep Reinforcement Learning Controller for Tower Crane System'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this