Abstract: Control theory deals with processes depending on an input parameter called control. The real-time information on the process is provided by an output, as a result of "measurements". The control task is to adjust the control input in time, so as to provide for needed process features. The standard approach is to build a mathematical model of the process and to develop a corresponding feedback control.

Unfortunately, it often happens in practice that no reliable model is available. The question arises whether it is possible to treat a system as a “black box”, avoiding any dependence on the model. In that way not only parameters of the model are considered uncertain, but the very nature of the model is uncertain. A method proposed in this talk mathematically establishes such approach.

Practical relative degree notion is introduced. Universal controllers corresponding to each degree are developed to make the output track signals given in real time. Computer simulation and recent practical results of in-vivo blood glucose concentration control demonstrate the feasibility of the suggested approach.

Coffee will be served at 12:00 before the lecture
at Schreiber building 006