Data-driven design of steady-state feedforward inputs for nonlinear systems under partial measurement

Abstract: Designing trajectory tracking controllers for nonlinear systems remains a significant challenge, traditionally requiring precise mathematical models and complex analytical derivations. While the Internal Model Principle (IMP) provides a robust theoretical foundation for such problems, its application is often hindered by model uncertainty and the inherent complexity of nonlinear controller synthesis. This work proposes a practical data-driven control framework that bypasses the need for an explicit first-principles model by utilizing raw input-output data. By integrating fundamental results from IMP theory with nonlinear system analysis, the proposed approach improves design tractability. The framework's efficacy is validated through numerical simulations on two distinct nonlinear platforms: a mechanical load with a nonlinear friction term and an electrohydraulic actuator system.