arXiv subjects

Leonardo Colombo

Publications and source records attributed to Leonardo Colombo.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2026

Quantum Riemannian Cubics with Obstacle Avoidance for Quantum Geometric Model Predictive Control

We propose a geometric model predictive control framework for quantum systems subject to smoothness and state constraints. By formulating quantum state evolution intrinsically on the projective Hilbert space, we penalize covariant accelerations to generate smooth trajectories in the form of Riemannian cubics, while incorporating state-dependent constraints through potential functions. A structure-preserving variational discretization enables receding-horizon implementation, and a Lyapunov-type stability result is established for the closed-loop system. The approach is illustrated on the Bloch sphere for a two-level quantum system, providing a viable pathway toward predictive feedback control of constrained quantum dynamics.

math-ph↗

arXiv2026

Dual-quaternion learning control for autonomous vehicle trajectory tracking with safety guarantees

We propose a learning-based trajectory tracking controller for autonomous robotic platforms whose motion can be described kinematically on $\mathrm{SE}(3)$. The controller is formulated in the dual quaternion framework and operates at the velocity level, assuming direct command of angular and linear velocities, as is standard in many aerial vehicles and omnidirectional mobile robots. Gaussian Process (GP) regression is integrated into a geometric feedback law to learn and compensate online for unknown, state-dependent disturbances and modeling imperfections affecting both attitude and position, while preserving the algebraic structure and coupling properties inherent to rigid-body motion. The proposed approach does not rely on explicit parametric models of the unknown effects, making it well-suited for robotic systems subject to sensor-induced disturbances, unmodeled actuation couplings, and environmental uncertainties. A Lyapunov-based analysis establishes probabilistic ultimate boundedness of the pose tracking error under bounded GP uncertainty, providing formal stability guarantees for the learning-based controller. Simulation results demonstrate accurate and smooth trajectory tracking in the presence of realistic, localized disturbances, including correlated rotational and translational effects arising from magnetometer perturbations. These results illustrate the potential of combining geometric modeling and probabilistic learning to achieve robust, data-efficient pose control for autonomous robotic systems.

cs.RO↗

arXiv2025

Structure-Preserving Optimal Control of Open Quantum Systems via a Discrete Contact PMP

We develop a discrete Pontryagin Maximum Principle (PMP) for controlled open quantum systems governed by Lindblad dynamics, and introduce a second--order \emph{contact Lie--group variational integrator} (contact LGVI) that preserves both the CPTP (completely positive and trace--preserving) structure of the Lindblad flow and the contact geometry underlying the discrete PMP. A type--II discrete contact generating function produces a strict discrete contactomorphism under which the state, costate, and cost propagate in exact agreement with the variational structure of the discrete contact PMP. We apply this framework to the optimal control of a dissipative qubit and compare it with a non--geometric explicit RK2 discretization of the Lindblad equation. Although both schemes have the same formal order, the RK2 method accumulates geometric drift (loss of trace, positivity violations, and breakdown of the discrete contact form) that destabilizes PMP shooting iterations, especially under strong dissipation or long horizons. In contrast, the contact LGVI maintains exact CPTP structure and discrete contact geometry step by step, yielding stable, physically consistent, and geometrically faithful optimal control trajectories.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2025

Variational Dissipative Mechanics on Lie Algebroids

We formulate a Herglotz-type variational principle on a Lie algebroid and derive the corresponding Euler--Lagrange--Herglotz equations for a Lagrangian depending on an additional scalar variable $z$. This provides a geometric framework for dissipative systems on Lie algebroids and recovers, as special cases, the classical Euler--Lagrange--Herglotz equations on tangent bundles, the Euler--Poincaré--Herglotz equations on a Lie algebra, and the Lagrange--Poincaré--Herglotz equations on Atiyah algebroids of principal bundles. Starting from the local formulation, we then use Lie algebroid connections to obtain a coordinate-free Euler--Lagrange--Poincaré--Herglotz and Hamilton--Pontryagin--Herglotz theory. Finally, we establish energy balance laws and Noether--Herglotz-type results, in which classical conserved quantities are replaced by dissipated invariants.

math-ph↗

arXiv2025

A Presymplectic and Symmetry Reduced Formulation of the Maxwell Vlasov System

We develop a unified geometric formulation of the Maxwell-Vlasov system using the infinite-dimensional Skinner-Rusk (SR) formalism. In this framework, particles and fields are treated simultaneously within a single presymplectic manifold, and the Gotay-Nester-Hinds algorithm recovers the full Maxwell-Vlasov equations as the compatibility conditions of a single variational system. The hierarchy of constraints -- including Vlasov advection, Gauss and Faraday laws, and the electromagnetic gauge structure -- arises naturally from the presymplectic geometry of the SR formalism. Reduction by the diffeomorphism group of phase space produces a reduced presymplectic manifold whose dynamics reproduces both the Euler-Poincare formulation for the Vlasov sector and the Marsden-Weinstein/Morrison-Greene Lie-Poisson Hamiltonian structure. We further extend the construction to equilibria that partially break the relabeling symmetry, obtaining a translated SR system that yields an effective symplectic linearization, clarifies the appearance of Goldstone-type neutral modes, and provides a geometric foundation for the energy-Casimir method. Finally, we incorporate external antenna fields into this setting by introducing affine Hamiltonian controls and establishing a theory of controlled symmetry breaking within the reduced SR framework. This leads to controlled Lie-Poisson equations for plasma-antenna coupling and a geometric mechanism for stabilization through Casimir shaping and symmetry-selective forcing. The resulting picture provides a single presymplectic structure that unifies Lagrangian, Hamiltonian, gauge, reduction, and control-theoretic aspects of the Maxwell-Vlasov system.

math-ph↗

arXiv2025

Homogeneous bi-Hamiltonian structures and integrable contact systems

Bi-Hamiltonian structures can be utilised to compute a maximal set of functions in involution for certain integrable systems, given by the eigenvalues of the recursion operator relating both Poisson structures. We show that the recursion operator relating two compatible Jacobi structures cannot produce a maximal set of functions in involution. However, as we illustrate with an example, bi-Hamiltonian structures can still be used to obtain a maximal set of functions in involution on a contact manifold, at the cost of symplectisation.

math-ph↗

arXiv2025

Efficient Endangered Deer Species Monitoring with UAV Aerial Imagery and Deep Learning

This paper examines the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and deep learning for detecting endangered deer species in their natural habitats. As traditional identification processes require trained manual labor that can be costly in resources and time, there is a need for more efficient solutions. Leveraging high-resolution aerial imagery, advanced computer vision techniques are applied to automate the identification process of deer across two distinct projects in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The first project, Pantano Project, involves the marsh deer in the Paraná Delta, while the second, WiMoBo, focuses on the Pampas deer in Campos del Tuyú National Park. A tailored algorithm was developed using the YOLO framework, trained on extensive datasets compiled from UAV-captured images. The findings demonstrate that the algorithm effectively identifies marsh deer with a high degree of accuracy and provides initial insights into its applicability to Pampas deer, albeit with noted limitations. This study not only supports ongoing conservation efforts but also highlights the potential of integrating AI with UAV technology to enhance wildlife monitoring and management practices.

cs.CV↗

arXiv2025

Physics-informed Learning for Passivity-based Tracking Control

Passivity-based control ensures system stability by leveraging dissipative properties and is widely applied in electrical and mechanical systems. Port-Hamiltonian systems (PHS), in particular, are well-suited for interconnection and damping assignment passivity-based control (IDA-PBC) due to their structured, energy-centric modeling approach. However, current IDA-PBC faces two key challenges: (i) it requires precise system knowledge, which is often unavailable due to model uncertainties, and (ii) it is typically limited to set-point control. To address these limitations, we propose a data-driven tracking control approach based on a physics-informed model, namely Gaussian process Port-Hamiltonian systems, along with the modified matching equation. By leveraging the Bayesian nature of the model, we establish probabilistic stability and passivity guarantees. A simulation demonstrates the effectiveness of our approach.

eess.SY↗

arXiv2025

Liouville-Arnold theorem for homogeneous symplectic and contact Hamiltonian systems

A Hamiltonian system is completely integrable (in the sense of Liouville) if there exist as many independent integrals of motion in involution as the dimension of the configuration space. Under certain regularity conditions, Liouville-Arnold theorem states that the invariant geometric structure associated with Liouville integrability is a fibration by Lagrangian tori (or, more generally, Abelian Lie groups), on which the motion is linear. In this paper, a Liouville-Arnold theorem for contact Hamiltonian systems is proven. More specifically, it is shown that, given a $(2n+1)$-dimensional completely integrable contact system, one can construct a foliation by $(n+1)$-dimensional Abelian Lie groups and induce action-angle coordinates in which the equations of motion are linearized. One important novelty with respect to previous attempts is that the foliation consists of $(n+1)$-dimensional coisotropic submanifolds given by the preimages of rays by the functions in involution. In order to prove the theorem, we first develop a version of Liouville-Arnold theorem for homogeneous functions on exact symplectic manifolds (which is of independent interest), and then apply the symplectization to obtain the contact case.

math.SG↗

arXiv2025

Enhanced UAV Navigation Systems through Sensor Fusion with Trident Quaternions

This paper presents an integrated navigation algorithm based on trident quaternions, an extension of dual quaternions. The proposed methodology provides an efficient approach for achieving precise and robust navigation by leveraging the advantages of trident quaternions. The performance of the navigation system was validated through experimental tests using a multi-rotor UAV equipped with two navigation computers: one executing the proposed algorithm and the other running a commercial autopilot, which was used as a reference.

cs.RO↗

arXiv2025

Retraction maps in optimal control of nonholonomic systems

In this paper, we compare the performance of different numerical schemes in approximating Pontryagin's Maximum Principle's necessary conditions for the optimal control of nonholonomic systems. Retraction maps are used as a seed to construct geometric integrators for the corresponding Hamilton equations. First, we obtain an intrinsic formulation of a discretization map on a distribution $\mathcal{D}$. Then, we illustrate this construction on a particular example for which the performance of different symplectic integrators is examined and compared with that of non-symplectic integrators.

math.NA↗

arXiv2025

Virtual nonlinear nonholonomic constraints from a symplectic point of view

In this paper, we provide a geometric characterization of virtual nonlinear nonholonomic constraints from a symplectic perspective. Under a transversality assumption, there is a unique control law making the trajectories of the associated closed-loop system satisfy the virtual nonlinear nonholonomic constraints. We characterize them in terms of the symplectic structure on $TQ$ induced by a Lagrangian function and the almost-tangent structure. In particular, we show that the closed-loop vector field satisfies a geometric equation of Chetaev type. Moreover, the closed-loop dynamics is obtained as the projection of the uncontrolled dynamics to the tangent bundle of the constraint submanifold defined by the virtual constraints.

math.DG↗

arXiv2025

Variational Collision Integrators for Nonholonomic Lagrangian Systems

A discrete theory for implicit nonholonomic Lagrangian systems undergoing elastic collisions is developed. It is based on the discrete Lagrange-d'Alembert-Pontryagin variational principle and the dynamical equations thus obtained are the discrete nonholonomic implicit Euler-Lagrange equations together with the discrete conditions for the elastic impact. To illustrate the theory, variational integrators with collisions are built for several examples, including a bouncing ellipse and a nonholonomic spherical pendulum evolving inside a cylinder.

math.DS↗

arXiv2025

Geometric Stabilization of Virtual Nonlinear Nonholonomic Constraints

In this paper, we address the problem of stabilizing a system around a desired manifold determined by virtual nonlinear nonholonomic constraints. Virtual constraints are relationships imposed on a control system that are rendered invariant through feedback control. Virtual nonholonomic constraints represent a specific class of virtual constraints that depend on the system's velocities in addition to its configurations. We derive a control law under which a mechanical control system achieves exponential convergence to the virtual constraint submanifold, and rendering it control-invariant. The proposed controller's performance is validated through simulation results in two distinct applications: flocking motion in multi-agent systems and the control of an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) navigating a stream.

eess.SY↗

arXiv2024

Geometric stabilization of virtual linear nonholonomic constraints

In this paper, we give sufficient conditions for and deduce a control law under which a mechanical control system converges exponentially fast to a virtual linear nonholonomic constraint that is control invariant via the same feedback control. Virtual constraints are relations imposed on a control system that become invariant via feedback control, as opposed to physical constraints acting on the system. Virtual nonholonomic constraints, similarly to mechanical nonholonomic constraints, are a class of virtual constraints that depend on velocities rather than only on the configurations of the system.

math.OC↗

arXiv2024

Symmetry reduction and reconstruction in contact geometry and Lagrange-Poincaré-Herglotz equations

In this paper, we investigate the reduction process of a contact Lagrangian system whose Lagrangian is invariant under a group of symmetries. We give explicit coordinate expressions of the resulting reduced differential equations, the so-called Lagrange-Poincare-Herglotz equations. Our framework relied on the associated Herglotz vector field and its projected vector field, and the use of well-chosen quasi-velocities. Some examples are also discussed.

math-ph↗

arXiv2024

Hamilton-Jacobi theory for nonholonomic and forced hybrid mechanical systems

A hybrid system is a system whose dynamics is given by a mixture of both continuous and discrete transitions. In particular, these systems can be utilised to describe the dynamics of a mechanical system with impacts. Based on the approach by Clark, we develop a geometric Hamilton-Jacobi theory for forced and nonholonomic hybrid dynamical systems. We state the corresponding Hamilton-Jacobi equations for these classes of systems and apply our results to analyze some examples.

math-ph↗

arXiv2024

Comparison of two numerical methods for Riemannian cubic polynomials on Stiefel manifolds

In this paper we compare two numerical methods to integrate Riemannian cubic polynomials on the Stiefel manifold $\textbf{St}_{n,k}$. The first one is the adjusted de Casteljau algorithm, and the second one is a symplectic integrator constructed through discretization maps. In particular, we choose the cases of $n=3$ together with $k=1$ and $k=2$. The first case is diffeomorphic to the sphere and the quasi-geodesics appearing in the adjusted de Casteljau algorithm are actually geodesics. The second case is an example where we have a pure quasi-geodesic different from a geodesic. We provide a numerical comparison of both methods and discuss the obtained results to highlight the benefits of each method.

math.OC↗