Computing Optimal Joint Chance Constrained Control Policies

Niklas Schmid, Marta Fochesato, Sarah H. Q. Li, Tobias Sutter, John Lygeros

Abstract: We consider the problem of optimally controlling stochastic, Markovian systems subject to joint chance constraints over a finite-time horizon. For such problems, standard Dynamic Programming is inapplicable due to the time correlation of the joint chance constraints, which calls for non-Markovian, and possibly stochastic, policies. Hence, despite the popularity of this problem, solution approaches capable of providing provably-optimal and easy-to-compute policies are still missing. We fill this gap by introducing an augmented binary state to the system dynamics, allowing us to characterize the optimal policies and propose a Dynamic Programming based solution method. Our analysis provides a deep insight into the impact of joint chance constraints on the optimal control policies.