Department Characteristics

The current research objectives in the Department of Control Theory are in the analysis and design of control systems. Three main research directions are as follows:

• analysis and design of linear systems including robust control;
• numerical methods for control systems analysis and design including chaotic systeme;
• analysis and design of nonlinear control systems;
• modelling and control of underactuated mechanical systems.

Interest is focused on both theoretical studies and computer implementation of the results obtained.

General

The research in linear control theory has a long tradition at the Institute. In early 1960s, under the leadership of Professor Strejc, researchers at the Institute made significant developments in both transfer-function and state-space methods. During the 1970s and the 1980s members of the Department, lead by Professor Kucera, obtained significant results which launched an entirely new area of research worldwide. Among these is a parametrization of all controllers that stabilize a given plant (known as the Youla-Kucera parametrization) and the design of control systems via polynomial equations. In the 1990s, the research activities of the department range from robust control to nonlinear systems.

Recent results in the area of nonlinear systems include canonical forms and classification of chaotic systems, output regulation of nonlinear systems, modelling and control of biological systems and underactuated walking. Linear topics include distributed parameter systems, application in biomedical systems and development of various software packages for control and simulations. 

Representation in International Societies and Editorial Boards

Activity of the Department in international technical and scientific societies is remarkable. Our members serve in governing bodies of the International Federation of Automatic Control (IFAC).

Editorial Boards: