Related papers: Robust Controller Design for Stochastic Nonlinear …
We propose a sampling-based trajectory optimization methodology for constrained problems. We extend recent works on stochastic search to deal with box control constraints,as well as nonlinear state constraints for discrete dynamical…
This paper focuses on finding approximate solutions to stochastic optimal control problems with control domains being not necessarily convex, where the state trajectory is subject to controlled stochastic differential equations. The…
Stochastic-gradient-based optimization has been a core enabling methodology in applications to large-scale problems in machine learning and related areas. Despite the progress, the gap between theory and practice remains significant, with…
Distributionally Robust Optimization (DRO), as a popular method to train robust models against distribution shift between training and test sets, has received tremendous attention in recent years. In this paper, we propose and analyze…
We consider control of uncertain linear time-varying stochastic systems from the perspective of regret minimization. Specifically, we focus on the problem of designing a feedback controller that minimizes the loss relative to a clairvoyant…
This paper considers the problem of controlling a dynamical system when the state cannot be directly measured and the control performance metrics are unknown or partially known. In particular, we focus on the design of data-driven…
We consider the problem of minimizing a convex function that is evolving according to unknown and possibly stochastic dynamics, which may depend jointly on time and on the decision variable itself. Such problems abound in the machine…
This paper presents a computationally efficient robust model predictive control law for discrete linear time invariant systems subject to additive disturbances that may depend on the state and/or input norms. Despite the dependency being…
This paper presents a convex optimization-based framework for synthesizing time-varying controlled invariant funnels and associated feedback control around a given nominal trajectory for nonlinear systems subject to bounded disturbances.…
In this paper, we demonstrate the exactness proof for the energy-efficient train control (EETC) model based on convex optimization. The proof of exactness shows that the convex optimization model will share the same optimization results…
Optimal control of stochastic nonlinear dynamical systems is a major challenge in the domain of robot learning. Given the intractability of the global control problem, state-of-the-art algorithms focus on approximate sequential optimization…
We propose a stochastic nonconvex optimization algorithm that achieves almost sure $\tilde{\mathcal{O}}(\epsilon^{-1.5})$ iteration complexity for problems with smooth objective functions and gradients only observable with noise. The…
Decentralized nonconvex optimization has received increasing attention in recent years in machine learning due to its advantages in system robustness, data privacy, and implementation simplicity. However, three fundamental challenges in…
This paper presents an approach towards guaranteed trajectory tracking for nonlinear control-affine systems subject to external disturbances based on robust control contraction metrics (CCM) that aims to minimize the $\mathcal L_\infty$…
Stochastic non-convex non-concave optimization, formally characterized as Stochastic Variational Inequalities (SVIs), presents unique challenges due to rotational dynamics and the absence of a global merit function. While adaptive step-size…
Lossless Convexification (LCvx) is a convexification technique that transforms a class of nonconvex optimal control problems$\unicode{x2013}$where the nonconvexity arises from a lower bound on the control norm$\unicode{x2013}$into…
The paper describes a receding horizon control design framework for continuous-time stochastic nonlinear systems subject to probabilistic state constraints. The intention is to derive solutions that are implementable in real-time on…
We consider an optimal control problem governed by a rate-inde\-pendent system with non-convex energy. The state equation is approximated by means of viscous regularization w.r.t.\ to hierarchy of two different Hilbert spaces. The…
The paper provides a new approach to the determination of a single state value for stochastic output feedback problems using paradigms from Model Predictive Control, particularly the distinction between open-loop and closed-loop control and…
The convex analytic method has proved to be a very versatile method for the study of infinite horizon average cost optimal stochastic control problems. In this paper, we revisit the convex analytic method and make three primary…