Open problems in mathematical systems and control theory (Q5906331)

In the vein of Fermat's last theorem, the 23 open problems of Hilbert or the open problems proposed recently in pure mathematics by \textit{S. Smale} [``Mathematical problems for the next century'', Math. Intell. 20, No. 2, 7-15 (1998)], this book presents 53 open problems in systems science. The problems touch many domains of the field: nonautonomous and/or robust stabilization, matrix problems arising from systems science, realization theory (nonlinear, max-plus algebra, positive), identification and system approximation, the control of mechanical systems, which order of derivatives is needed (for checking controllability or for obtaining a flat output)?, spectral factorizations, problems having an algebraic nature (output pole placement, optimal control of systems defined over rings, the behavioural approach), problems involving neural networks (approximation, realization, learning), switching systems, problems involving operator theory (spectral value sets, location of zeros in infinite-dimensional systems, spectral Nevanlinna-Pick interpolation, admissibility of observation operators), performance and robustness issues, Lyapunov theory, problems involving several systems (simultaneous stabilization, \(L_2\) gain estimation of two systems), algorithms (Riemannian SVD, Shift policies in QR-like algorithms), complexity problems, conservatism problems. Let us observe that the problem of R. Brockett i.e. global output stabilization of a linear observable and controllable system via a nonautonomous gain (``It seems that little is lost by assuming that'' \dots{} the gain ``is periodic'') could be treated through the periodic Riccati equation but one could require more than stabilization like determination of the characteristic or Lyapunov exponents and require a construction of the gain (R. Brockett asks about conditions on existence of the gain). In the periodic case, the problem has been treated in the reviewer's thesis. History will tell if the proposed problems will be solved through tricks or will open vast areas of knowledge and if the relatively recent domain of systems science is mature enough so that the open problems have the expected depth. At any rate, this book provides a welcome goal-oriented research drive to the field.