Fixed-Time Zeroing Neural Dynamics for Adaptive Coordination of Multi-Agent Systems

Cheng Hua , Xinwei Cao , Jianfeng Li , Shuai Li

CAAI Transactions on Intelligence Technology ›› 2026, Vol. 11 ›› Issue (1) : 267 -278.

PDF (2702KB)
CAAI Transactions on Intelligence Technology ›› 2026, Vol. 11 ›› Issue (1) :267 -278. DOI: 10.1049/cit2.70089
ORIGINAL RESEARCH
research-article
Fixed-Time Zeroing Neural Dynamics for Adaptive Coordination of Multi-Agent Systems
Author information +
History +
PDF (2702KB)

Abstract

This paper presents an adaptive multi-agent coordination (AMAC) strategy suitable for complex scenarios, which only requires information exchange between neighbouring robots. Unlike traditional multi-agent coordination methods that are solved by neural dynamics, the proposed strategy displays greater fiexibility, adaptability and scalability. Furthermore, the proposed AMAC strategy is reconstructed as a time-varying complex-valued matrix equation. By introducing a dynamic error function, a fixed-time convergent zeroing neural network (FTCZNN) model is designed for the online solution of the AMAC strategy, with its convergence time upper bound derived theoretically. Finally, the effectiveness and applicability of the coordination control method are demonstrated by numerical simulations and physical experiments. Numerical results indicate that this method can reduce the formation error to the order of 10 − 6 within 1.8 s.

Keywords

fixed-time convergence / multi-agent coordination / robotics / zeroing neural dynamics

Cite this article

Download citation ▾
Cheng Hua, Xinwei Cao, Jianfeng Li, Shuai Li. Fixed-Time Zeroing Neural Dynamics for Adaptive Coordination of Multi-Agent Systems. CAAI Transactions on Intelligence Technology, 2026, 11(1): 267-278 DOI:10.1049/cit2.70089

登录浏览全文

4963

注册一个新账户 忘记密码

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grants 61962023, 61562029 and 62466019.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no confiicts of interest.

Data Availability Statement

Data available on request from the authors.

References

[1]

M. Kaufeld, R. Trauth, and J. Betz, “Investigating Driving In-teractions: A Robust Multi-Agent Simulation Framework for Autono-mous Vehicles,” in 2024 IEEE Intelligent Vehicles Symposium (IV) IEEE, 2024), 803-810.

[2]

C. Wang, Y. Wang, Y. Yuan, S. Peng, G. Li, and P. Yin, “Joint Computation Offioading and Resource Allocation for End-Edge Collaboration in Internet of Vehicles via Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning,” Neural Networks 179 (2024): 106621, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neunet.2024.106621.

[3]

M. Liu, Y. Li, Y. Chen, Y. Qi, and L. Jin, “A Distributed Competitive and Collaborative Coordination for Multirobot Systems,” IEEE Trans-actions on Mobile Computing 23, no. 12 (2024): 11436-11448, https://doi.org/10.1109/TMC.2024.3397242.

[4]

Z. Zhang, Z. Cao, and X. Li, “Neural Dynamic Fault-Tolerant Scheme for Collaborative Motion Planning of Dual-Redundant Robot Manipula-tors,” IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks and Learning Systems 36, no. 6 (2025): 11189-11201, https://doi.org/10.1109/TNNLS.2024.3466296.

[5]

Z. Zhang, H. Yu, X. Ren, and Y. Luo, “A Swarm Exploring Neural Dynamics Method for Solving Convex Multi-Objective Optimization Problem,” Neurocomputing 601 (2024): 128203, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neucom.2024.128203.

[6]

L. Jin, Y. Li, Y. Chen, Z. Su, and X. Ma, “An Event-Triggered k-WTA Model With Experimental Verification on Multirobot System,” IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics 72, no. 9 (2025): 9271-9281, https://doi.org/10.1109/TIE.2025.3531457.

[7]

H. Wang and Q. L. Han, “Designing Proportional-Integral Consensus Protocols for Second-Order Multi-Agent Systems Using Delayed and Memorized State Information,” IEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica 11, no. 4 (2024): 878-892, https://doi.org/10.1109/JAS.2024.124308.

[8]

Z. Xie, C. Ji, C. Qiao, et al., “Mutual Information Oriented Deep Skill Chaining for multi-agent Reinforcement Learning,” CAAI Transactions on Intelligence Technology 9, no. 4 (2024): 1014-1030, https://doi.org/10.1049/cit2.12322.

[9]

J. Yan, L. Jin, and B. Hu, “Data-Driven Model Predictive Control for Redundant Manipulators With Unknown Model,” IEEE Transactions on Cybernetics 54, no. 10 (2024): 5901-5911, https://doi.org/10.1109/TCYB.2024.3408254.

[10]

X. Li, X. Ren, Z. Zhang, et al., “A Varying-Parameter Complemen-tary Neural Network for Multi-Robot Tracking and Formation via Model Predictive Control,” Neurocomputing 609 (2024): 128384, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neucom.2024.128384.

[11]

J. Fan, L. Jin, P. Li, J. Liu,Z. G. Wu, and W. Chen, “Coevolutionary Neural Dynamics Considering Multiple Strategies for Nonconvex Opti-mization,” Tsinghua Science and Technology (2025), https://doi.org/10.26599/TST.2025.9010120.

[12]

Z. Tang, Y. Zhang, and L. Ming, “Novel Snap-Layer MMPC Scheme via Neural Dynamics Equivalency and Solver for Redundant Robot Arms With Five-Layer Physical Limits,” IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks and Learning Systems 36, no. 2 (2025): 3534-3546, https://doi.org/10.1109/TNNLS.2024.3351674.

[13]

H. Xiao, Z. Li, C. Yang, et al., “Robust Stabilization of a Wheeled Mobile Robot Using Model Predictive Control Based on Neurodynamics Optimization,” IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics 64, no. 1 (2017): 505-516, https://doi.org/10.1109/TIE.2016.2606358.

[14]

L. Dai, H. Xu, Y. Zhang, and B. Liao, “Norm-Based Zeroing Neural Dynamics for Time-Variant Non-Linear Equations,” CAAI Transactions on Intelligence Technology 9, no. 6 (2024): 1561-1571, https://doi.org/10.1049/cit2.12360.

[15]

Y. Zhang, D. Jiang, and J. Wang, “A Recurrent Neural Network for Solving Sylvester Equation With Time-Varying Coefficients,” IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks 13, no. 5 (2002): 1053-1063, https://doi.org/10.1109/TNN.2002.1031938.

[16]

L. Jin, L. Wei, and S. Li, “Gradient-Based Differential Neural- Solution to Time-Dependent Nonlinear Optimization,” IEEE Trans-actions on Automatic Control 68, no. 1 (2023): 620-627, https://doi.org/10.1109/TAC.2022.3144135.

[17]

L. Wei and L. Jin, “Collaborative Neural Solution for Time-Varying Nonconvex Optimization With Noise Rejection,” IEEE Transactions on Emerging Topics in Computational Intelligence 8, no. 4 (2024): 2935-2948, https://doi.org/10.1109/TETCI.2024.3369482.

[18]

B. Liao, Q. Xiang, and S. Li, “Bounded Z-Type Neurodynamics With Limited-Time Convergence and Noise Tolerance for Calculating Time- Dependent Lyapunov Equation,” Neurocomputing 325 (2019): 234-241, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neucom.2018.10.031.

[19]

Y. Zeng, C. Hua, B. Liao, and Z. Li, “Design and Analysis of Gradient-Based Differential Neural Network for Solving Time-Varying Quadratic Problems With Inequality Constraint,” Neural Networks 192 (2025): 107911, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neunet.2025.107911.

[20]

M. Liu, L. Chen, X. Du, L. Jin, and M. Shang, “Activated Gradients for Deep Neural Networks,” IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks and Learning Systems 34, no. 4 (2023): 2156-2168, https://doi.org/10.1109/TNNLS.2021.3106044.

[21]

S. Li, S. Chen, and B. Liu, “Accelerating a Recurrent Neural Network to Finite-Time Convergence for Solving Time-Varying Syl-vester Equation by Using a Sign-Bi-Power Activation Function,” Neural Processing Letters 37, no. 2 (2013): 189-205, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11063-012-9241-1.

[22]

L. Xiao, B. Liao, S. Li, and K. Chen, “Nonlinear Recurrent Neural Networks for Finite-Time Solution of General Time-Varying Linear Matrix Equations,” Neural Networks 98 (2018): 102-113, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neunet.2017.11.011.

[23]

C. Long, G. Zhang, Z. Zeng, and J. Hu, “Finite-Time Stabilization of Complex-Valued Neural Networks With Proportional Delays and Iner-tial Terms: A Non-Separation Approach,” Neural Networks 148 (2022): 86-95, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neunet.2022.01.005.

[24]

W. Li, L. Xiao, and B. Liao, “A Finite-Time Convergent and noise- rejection Recurrent Neural Network and Its Discretization for Dynamic Nonlinear Equations Solving,” IEEE Transactions on Cybernetics 50, no. 7 (2020): 3195-3207, https://doi.org/10.1109/TCYB.2019.2906263.

[25]

L. Xiao, H. Tan, L. Jia, J. Dai, and Y. Zhang, “New Error Function Designs for Finite-Time ZNN Models With Application to Dynamic Matrix Inversion,” Neurocomputing 402 (2020): 395-408, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neucom.2020.02.121.

[26]

Y. Zhang, S. Li, J. Weng, and B. Liao, “GNN Model for Time- Varying Matrix Inversion With Robust Finite-Time Convergence,” IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks and Learning Systems 35, no. 1 (2024): 559-569, https://doi.org/10.1109/TNNLS.2022.3175899.

[27]

W. Li, B. Liao, L. Xiao, and R. Lu, “A Recurrent Neural Network With Predefined-Time Convergence and Improved Noise Tolerance for Dynamic Matrix Square Root Finding,” Neurocomputing 337 (2019): 262-273, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neucom.2019.01.072.

[28]

L. Xiao, L. Li, J. Tao, and W. Li, “A Predefined-Time and Anti-Noise Varying-Parameter ZNN Model for Solving Time-Varying Complex Stein Equations,” Neurocomputing 526 (2023): 158-168, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neucom.2023.01.008.

[29]

B. Liao, J. Xu, C. Hua, T. Wang, and S. Li, “Predefined-Time ZNN Model With Noise Reduction for Solving Quadratic Programming and Its Application to Binary Assignment Problem in Logistics,” Journal of Supercomputing 81, no. 12 (2025): 1228, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11227-025-07694-w.

[30]

L. Xiao, Y. Zhang, J. Dai, et al., “A New Noise-Tolerant and Predefined-Time ZNN Model for Time-Dependent Matrix Inversion,” Neural Networks 117 (2019): 124-134, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neunet.2019.05.005.

[31]

L. Jin, Y. Zhang, S. Li, and Y. Zhang, “Noise-Tolerant ZNN Models for Solving Time-Varying Zero-Finding Problems: A Control-Theoretic Approach,” IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control 62, no. 2 (2016): 992-997, https://doi.org/10.1109/TAC.2016.2566880.

[32]

L. Xiao, Y. He, J. Dai, X. Liu, B. Liao, and H. Tan, “A Variable- Parameter Noise-Tolerant Zeroing Neural Network for Time-Variant Matrix Inversion With Guaranteed Robustness,” IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks and Learning Systems 33, no. 4 (2020): 1535-1545, https://doi.org/10.1109/TNNLS.2020.3042761.

[33]

B. Liao, Y. Wang, J. Li, D. Guo, and Y. He, “Harmonic Noise- Tolerant ZNN for Dynamic Matrix Pseudoinversion and Its Applica-tion to Robot Manipulator,” Frontiers in Neurorobotics 16 (2022): 928636, https://doi.org/10.3389/fnbot.2022.928636.

[34]

J. Chen, L. Li, and L. Xiao, “A Predefined-Time Double-Integral Zeroing Neural Network Model for Linear Equations Flows and Its Application on Dynamic Position,” Neurocomputing 2025 (2025): 131531, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neucom.2025.131531.

[35]

B. Liao, L. Han, X. Cao, S. Li, and J. Li, “Double Integral-Enhanced Zeroing Neural Network With Linear Noise Rejection for Time-Varying Matrix Inverse,” CAAI Transactions on Intelligence Technology 9, no. 1 (2024): 197-210, https://doi.org/10.1049/cit2.12161.

[36]

J. Li, L. Qu, Y. Zhu, Z. Li, and B. Liao, “A Novel Zeroing Neural Network for Time-Varying Matrix Pseudoinversion in the Presence of Linear Noises,” Tsinghua Science and Technology 30, no. 5 (2025): 1911-1926, https://doi.org/10.26599/TST.2024.9010120.

[37]

C. Hua, X. Cao, and B. Liao, “Real-Time Solutions for Dynamic Complex Matrix Inversion and Chaotic Control Using ODE-Based Neural Computing Methods,” Computational Intelligence 41, no. 2 (2025): e70042, https://doi.org/10.1111/coin.70042.

[38]

Y. Zhang, S. Li, S. Kadry, and B. Liao, “Recurrent Neural Network for Kinematic Control of Redundant Manipulators With Periodic Input Disturbance and Physical Constraints,” IEEE Transactions on Cyber-netics 49, no. 12 (2019): 4194-4205, https://doi.org/10.1109/TCYB.2018.2859751.

[39]

L. Jin, R. Huang, M. Liu, and X. Ma, “Cerebellum-Inspired Learning and Control Scheme for Redundant Manipulators at Joint Velocity Level,” IEEE Transactions on Cybernetics 54, no. 11 (2024): 6297-6306, https://doi.org/10.1109/TCYB.2024.3436021.

[40]

H. Huang,L. Jin, and Z. Zeng, “A Momentum Recurrent Neural Network for Sparse Motion Planning of Redundant Manipulators With Majorization-Minimization,” IEEE Transactions on Industrial Elec-tronics (2025): 1-10, https://doi.org/10.1109/TIE.2025.3566731.

[41]

R. Li, J. Jin, D. Zhang, and C. Chen, “A Segmented Activation Function-Based Zeroing Neural Network Model for Dynamic Sylvester Equation Solving and Robotic Manipulator Control,” Concurrency and Computation: Practice and Experience 37, no. 21-22 (2025): e70243, https://doi.org/10.1002/cpe.70243.

[42]

Z. Tang and Y. Zhang, “Continuous and Discrete Gradient-Zhang Neuronet (GZN) With Analyses for Time-Variant Overdetermined Linear Equation System Solving As Well As Mobile Localization Ap-plications,” Neurocomputing 561 (2023): 126883, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neucom.2023.126883.

[43]

J. Liu, X. Du, and L. Jin, “A Localization Algorithm for Underwater Acoustic Sensor Networks With Improved Newton Iteration and Simplified Kalman Filter,” IEEE Transactions on Mobile Computing 23, no. 12 (2024): 14459-14470, https://doi.org/10.1109/TMC.2024.3443992.

[44]

J. Jin, M. Wu, A. Ouyang, K. Li, and C. Chen, “A Novel Dynamic Hill Cipher and Its Applications on Medical IoT,” IEEE Internet of Things Journal 12, no. 10 (2025): 14297-14308, https://doi.org/10.1109/JIOT.2025.3525623.

[45]

B. Liao, C. Hua, Q. Xu, X. Cao, and S. Li, “Inter-Robot Management via Neighboring Robot Sensing and Measurement Using a Zeroing Neural Dynamics Approach,” Expert Systems with Applications 244 (2024): 122938, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eswa.2023.122938.

[46]

K. Garg and D. Panagou, “Characterization of Domain of Fixed- Time Stability Under Control Input Constraints,” in 2021 American Control Conference (ACC) IEEE, 2021), 2272-2277.

PDF (2702KB)

0

Accesses

0

Citation

Detail

Sections
Recommended

/