Robust control strategy for multi-UAVs system using MPC combined with Kalman-consensus filter and disturbance observer

The stability of formation flight is not only sensitive to external disturbances but also to data observed and transferred between sensors and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). A multi-constrained model predictive control (MPC) strategy, combined with Kalman-consensus filter (KCF) and fixed-time disturbance observer (FTDOB) is developed for the formation control of multiple quadrotors here Firstly, KCF is used to effectively fuse the data shared in the formation with noise and uncertainty, which improves the applicability and robustness of the formation in complex environments. Secondly, FTDOB is able to estimate the external disturbances suffered by the quadrotor in a fixed time and provides real-time compensation for the controller. On this basis, an improved MPC (IMPC) is designed for each UAV of the formation, which improves the computational efficiency while ensuring the asymptotic stability of the system. Eventually, the capability and effectiveness of the proposed strategy are verified by simulation in terms of disturbance rejection and noise suppression, as well as good trajectory tracking of the formation.