Robust adaptive learning of feedforward neural networks via LMI optimizations

Feedforward neural networks (FNNs) have been extensively applied to various areas such as control, system identification, function approximation, pattern recognition etc. A novel robust control approach to the learning problems of FNNs is further investigated in this study in order to develop efficient learning algorithms which can be implemented with optimal parameter settings and considering noise effect in the data. To this aim, the learning problem of a FNN is cast into a robust output feedback control problem of a discrete time-varying linear dynamic system. New robust learning algorithms with adaptive learning rate are therefore developed, using linear matrix inequality (LMI) techniques to find the appropriate learning rates and to guarantee the fast and robust convergence. Theoretical analysis and examples are given to illustrate the theoretical results. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.