Intelligent control. A hybrid approach based on fuzzy logic, neural networks and genetic algorithms. With a foreword by Bernard Widrow (Q382512)

Intelligent control has enjoyed a rapidly growing interest in the control engineering community thanks for its abilities to bring forward new, interesting, and promising conceptual and design alternatives. This research monograph offers a concise introduction to the contemporary controllers based on computational intelligence and revolves around the constructs of fuzzy controllers whose development is supported by various mechanisms of neurocomputing and evolutionary optimization. The book is structured in the following way. The first part (comprised in three chapters) serves as an introduction to the area of intelligent control by covering the generic concepts of dynamical systems exposed in the setting of robotics, and control strategies. Next, fuzzy sets and fuzzy controllers (in Chapter 4 and 5) are discussed providing an exposure to the basics of fuzzy sets and outlining the classical models of fuzzy controllers demonstrating their linkages with the PID controllers. Chapters 6--8 elaborate on the two main directions encountered when applying ideas of computational intelligence to system controllers. Chapter 6 is focused on evolutionary-fuzzy controllers (demonstrating how the evolutionary techniques support a construction of the rules and optimization of the parameters of the fuzzy controller). Neuro-fuzzy controllers are studied in Chapter 7 whereas hybrid architecures of evolutionary-neuro-fuzzy control are discussed in Chapter 8. Chapter 9 brings a brief introduction to the stability analysis of fuzzy controllers; this topic is signaled only. The references are representative, carefully selected to serve well the purpose to support the essential subject matters covered in the book. There are several visible features of the monograph, which could be appreciated by the reader: (i) self-containment of the book that could make the material easily accessible by newcomers to the area, (ii) the level of formal exposure is suitable for (iii) casting the topic of fuzzy control in the setting of a concrete robotic environment (robot manipulators) is an advantage that makes the material more convincing and well-illustrated, (iv) a well-balanced coverage of the fundamentals and applied facet of fuzzy control, (v) a wealth of detailed illustrative examples. Overall, this book can appeal to a broad readership of those interested in fuzzy control, intelligent systems, robotics, both in the fundamentals and the practical facets of the area.