Robust regulation for a 3-DOF Helicopter via sliding-modes control and observation techniques

In this paper, two robust control strategies for a 3-DOF Helicopter via sliding-modes techniques are presented. First, quasi-continuous controllers along with a sliding mode differentiator are designed and then the design of classical PID controllers in combination with a second-order sliding mode observer is presented. Both strategies preserve high position regulation accuracy and robustness to model uncertainties and external disturbances. Simulations and experimental results on a 3-DOF Helicopter by Quanser are shown.