A New Impedance Controller Based on Nonlinear Model Reference Adaptive Control for Exoskeleton Systems

Robotic exoskeletons are expected to show high compliance and low impedance for human–robot interactions (HRIs). Our study introduces a novel method based on nonlinear model reference adaptive control (MRAC) to reduce the inherent impedance and replace the traditional impedance controller in HRIs. The control law and adaptive law are designed according to a candidate Lyapunov function. A simple system identification and initialization method for the nonlinear MRAC is put forward, which provides a set of better initial values for the controller. From the results of simulation and experiment, our controller can reduce the mechanical impedance and achieve high compliance for HRI. The adaptive control and compliance control can be both achieved by the proposed nonlinear MRAC framework.