Abstract: | In this paper, performance oriented control laws are synthesized for a class of single‐input‐single‐output (SISO) n‐th order nonlinear systems in a normal form by integrating the neural networks (NNs) techniques and the adaptive robust control (ARC) design philosophy. All unknown but repeat‐able nonlinear functions in the system are approximated by the outputs of NNs to achieve a better model compensation for an improved performance. While all NN weights are tuned on‐line, discontinuous projections with fictitious bounds are used in the tuning law to achieve a controlled learning. Robust control terms are then constructed to attenuate model uncertainties for a guaranteed output tracking transient performance and a guaranteed final tracking accuracy. Furthermore, if the unknown nonlinear functions are in the functional ranges of the NNs and the ideal NN weights fall within the fictitious bounds, asymptotic output tracking is achieved to retain the perfect learning capability of NNs. The precision motion control of a linear motor drive system is used as a case study to illustrate the proposed NNARC strategy. |