Neural Network-Based Fixed-Time Tracking and Containment Control of Second-Order Heterogeneous Nonlinear Multiagent Systems

This study concentrates on the fixed-time tracking consensus and containment control of second-order heterogeneous nonlinear multiagent systems (MASs) with and without measurable velocity under directed topology. By defining a time-varying scaling function and approximating the unknown nonlinear dynamics with radial basis function neural networks (RBFNNs), a novel distributed protocol for solving the fixed-time tracking consensus and containment control problems of second-order heterogeneous nonlinear MASs with full states available is proposed based on a nonsingular sliding-mode control method constructed by designing a prescribed-time convergent sliding surface. For the scenario of immeasurable velocity, a fixed-time convergent states’ observer is designed to reveal the velocity information when the unknown linearity is bounded. Subsequently, a distributed fixed-time consensus protocol based on observed velocity information is proposed for the extended results. Ultimately, the acquired results are verified by three simulation examples.