Scientific Reports (Mar 2025)

Aerial manipulation of long objects using adaptive neuro-fuzzy controller under battery variability

  • Praveen Kumar Muthusamy,
  • Mohammed Basheer Mohiuddin,
  • Anees Peringal,
  • Bhivraj Suthar,
  • Rajkumar Muthusamy,
  • Irfan Hussain,
  • Lakmal Seneviratne,
  • Yahya Zweiri

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-94937-8
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15, no. 1
pp. 1 – 20

Abstract

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Abstract Aerial manipulation provides adaptable solutions for executing tasks in constrained environments, particularly in civil engineering and disaster response. This paper presents a UAV-based aerial manipulation system for the precise handling and transportation of long objects, such as pipes, in uncertain conditions. Compared to single- or dual-arm systems, which are difficult to scale and maintain, the proposed design features a modular two-finger gripper, enhancing scalability and reliability while reducing mechanical complexity. To address challenges such as positional drift, which can compromise mission success, the system employs a SO-BFBEL controller controller to enhance stability and precision and it is compared with DNN-MRFT-based PID and Fuzzy SMC controller. Experimental results demonstrate that the SO-BFBEL controller reduces the position tracking error up to 50% and compensates for wind disturbances and battery discharge fluctuations more effectively than conventional methods. Additionally, the SO-BFBEL controller can help to conserve battery life during manipulation phases which can boost the operational efficiency without incurring any additional costs.

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