Fuzzy control and conventional control: What is (and can be) the real contribution of fuzzy systems? (Q1282903)

The paper is a comprehensive and in-depth study about the role of fuzzy sets in control engineering. It helps to clarify the myths and misunderstandings about the use of the technology of fuzzy sets in this area. The presentation starts from a concise analysis of classical control by looking into several fundamental classes of problems that have been solved within this framework and highlighting those that still need to be addressed. The inherent origin of the difficulties of such unresolved control problems is underlined and the role of the designer in the development process has been identified. In this context, the benefits and disadvantages of the use of fuzzy sets are studied. The issue of stability of control systems along with a discussion of the currently existing approaches is raised as well.