Deep Reinforcement Learning for Adaptive Gain Tuning in Control of Teleoperation Manipulators with Joint Flexibility and Time-Varying Delays

Abstract

Bilateral teleoperation systems that include joint flexibility better reflect real robotic systems used in surgery, space, and rehabilitation. However, joint flexibility together with time-varying communication delays makes it difficult to maintain stable and coordinated motion between the master and slave robots. To address this, we propose a hybrid control method that combines a stable Proportional-plus-Damping (P+d) controller with a model-free deep reinforcement learning agent based on the Twin Delayed Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (TD3) algorithm. The P+d controller provides basic stability under bounded delays, while the learning agent adjusts and tunes the remote-side proportional and damping gains in real time to reduce vibrations and improve tracking. Stability is guaranteed for bounded time-varying delays using Lyapunov-Krasovskii analysis. The approach provides a practical solution for teleoperation systems facing both joint flexibility and uncertain network delays.