Zeroth-Order Constrained Optimization from a Control Perspective via Feedback Linearization

Fuente: arXiv
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Autores principales: Zhang, Runyu, Zardini, Gioele, Ozdaglar, Asuman, Shamma, Jeff, Li, Na
Formato: Preprint
Publicado: 2025
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author Zhang, Runyu
Zardini, Gioele
Ozdaglar, Asuman
Shamma, Jeff
Li, Na
author_facet Zhang, Runyu
Zardini, Gioele
Ozdaglar, Asuman
Shamma, Jeff
Li, Na
contents Safe derivative-free optimization under unknown constraints is a fundamental challenge in modern learning and control. Existing zeroth-order (ZO) methods typically still assume access to a first-order oracle of the constraint functions or restrict attention to convex settings, leaving nonconvex optimization with black-box constraints largely unexplored. We propose the zeroth-order feedback-linearization (ZOFL) algorithm for ZO constrained optimization that enforces feasibility without access to the first-order oracle of the constraint functions and applies to both equality and inequality constraints. The proposed approach relies only on noisy, sample-based gradient estimates obtained via two-point estimators, yet provably guarantees constraint satisfaction under mild regularity conditions. It adopts a control-theoretic perspective on ZO constrained optimization and leverages feedback linearization, a nonlinear control technique, to enforce feasibility. Finite-time bounds on constraint violation and asymptotic global convergence guarantees are established for the ZOFL algorithm. A midpoint discretization variant is further developed to improve feasibility without sacrificing optimality. Empirical results demonstrate that ZOFL consistently outperforms standard ZO baselines, achieving competitive objective values while maintaining feasibility.
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spellingShingle Zeroth-Order Constrained Optimization from a Control Perspective via Feedback Linearization
Zhang, Runyu
Zardini, Gioele
Ozdaglar, Asuman
Shamma, Jeff
Li, Na
Optimization and Control
Systems and Control
Safe derivative-free optimization under unknown constraints is a fundamental challenge in modern learning and control. Existing zeroth-order (ZO) methods typically still assume access to a first-order oracle of the constraint functions or restrict attention to convex settings, leaving nonconvex optimization with black-box constraints largely unexplored. We propose the zeroth-order feedback-linearization (ZOFL) algorithm for ZO constrained optimization that enforces feasibility without access to the first-order oracle of the constraint functions and applies to both equality and inequality constraints. The proposed approach relies only on noisy, sample-based gradient estimates obtained via two-point estimators, yet provably guarantees constraint satisfaction under mild regularity conditions. It adopts a control-theoretic perspective on ZO constrained optimization and leverages feedback linearization, a nonlinear control technique, to enforce feasibility. Finite-time bounds on constraint violation and asymptotic global convergence guarantees are established for the ZOFL algorithm. A midpoint discretization variant is further developed to improve feasibility without sacrificing optimality. Empirical results demonstrate that ZOFL consistently outperforms standard ZO baselines, achieving competitive objective values while maintaining feasibility.
title Zeroth-Order Constrained Optimization from a Control Perspective via Feedback Linearization
topic Optimization and Control
Systems and Control
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2509.24056