Abstract
INTRODUCTION: This paper addresses the critical need for adaptive formation control in Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) without requiring knowledge of system dynamics or environmental data. Current methods, often assuming partial knowledge like known mass matrices, limit adaptability in varied settings. METHODS: We proposed two-layer framework treats all system dynamics, including the mass matrix, as entirely unknown, achieving configuration-agnostic control applicable to multiple underwater scenarios. The first layer features a cooperative estimator for inter-agent communication independent of global data, while the second employs a decentralized deterministic learning (DDL) controller using local feedback for precise trajectory control. The framework's radial basis function neural networks (RBFNN) store dynamic information, eliminating the need for relearning after system restarts. RESULTS: This robust approach addresses uncertainties from unknown parametric values and unmodeled interactions internally, as well as external disturbances such as varying water currents and pressures, enhancing adaptability across diverse environments. DISCUSSION: Comprehensive and rigorous mathematical proofs are provided to confirm the stability of the proposed controller, while simulation results validate each agent's control accuracy and signal boundedness, confirming the framework's stability and resilience in complex scenarios.