A compatibility criterion for optimal control and information aggregation in hierarchical network systems
Kento Fujita, Daisuke Tsubakino · Asian Journal of Control · 2025
Abstract Large swarms often adopt a hierarchical network structure that incorporates information aggregation. Although this approach offers significant advantages in terms of communication efficiency and computational complexity, it can also lead to degradation due to information constraints. This study investigates the conditions under which information aggregation is compatible with control optimality. Information aggregation is formulated as a low rank property of a specific block of the control gains. The problem is initially examined from an algebraic viewpoint. Through this analysis, two compatibility criteria are identified, one general and one practical. The usefulness of the proposed criterion is confirmed by numerical simulations.