Generic Approach to Stability Under Time-Varying Delay in Teleoperation: Application to the Position-Error Control of a Gantry Crane

In this paper, we develop a generic approach for modeling a teleoperation setup, as a negative single feedback loop containing a linear time-invariant block and an uncertain time-varying delay. It is not based on specific dynamics of masters and slaves, neither on any control architecture. The main added value of the proposed approach is the possibility of deriving frequency-domain conditions for robust stability in the presence of time-varying delays and parametric uncertainties. To address stability, we choose a primitive result providing a bound of certain delay subsystem. We combine this, with input-output stability criteria and μ-analysis and synthesis techniques, to reach a procedure based on the structured singular value providing less conservative results. Finally, our approach is presented within a suggested flowchart that helps the designer to manage the control parameter ranges and facilitates the gradual achievement of stability, robust stability, and performance properties. As a case study, we consider the Internet-based teleoperation of a gantry crane by means of the position-error control architecture. We have also obtained actual delay bounds appearing with UDP protocol for different Internet locations. Simulation and experimental results confirm the robust performance of the teleoperation system in terms of stability and tracking behavior.