Distributed fixed-time formation tracking control for multiple underactuated USVs with lumped uncertainties and input saturation

A fixed-time distributed formation control strategy is investigated for multiple underactuated unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) with unmeasured velocities and input saturation. Initially, a necessary coordinate transformation is applied to the mathematical model of USVs to address the underactuated issue. Subsequently, a fixed-time extended state observer (FESO) is constructed to estimate unmeasured velocities and lumped disturbances of USVs based on input and output data in the control loop. Meanwhile, the leader–follower approach is applied to achieve a preset formation. A fixed-time differentiator is utilized to compute real-time differential signals for virtual control laws, which simplifies the complexity of controller design. Furthermore, a fixed-time distributed formation controller is designed based on an asymmetric differentiable saturation model. The effects of input saturation are eliminated by a designed auxiliary system. Finally, the fixed-time stability of the closed-loop system is analyzed through the Lyapunov stability theory. The comparison simulation results verify the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed formation control scheme.