Research in Control and System Theory by Jan H. van Schuppen
Current and recent research in control and system theory are
briefly discussed as well as the role of the ERCIM Working Group
Control and System Theory in ERCIM. Where does an ordinary
citizen encounter control? Control is experienced in processing
of telephone calls, in car steering, in modern forms of
information and control of motorways, in stabilization control
of air planes, in orbit control of satellites for hand held
phones and tv channels, etc. Almost all engineering products
operate properly only because control is used to safeguard their
proper operation and to optimize their performance. In the last
two decades motivating control problems have arisen in control
of high-performance communication networks, of motorway traffic,
in air traffic control, of chemical plants, and in finance and
insurance to name only a few areas. Control and system theory
are highly relevant to the functioning of the Western
industrialized societies. At about hal