Experiments for Dynamic Resource Allocation

dvances in information technology such as object-oriented programming, realtime operating systems, and reliable computer communication networks enable the deployment of effective control and automation systems [1]. Industry exploits information technology in distributed control system (DCS) products, whose components include proportional-integral-derivative (PID) and programmable logic controllers. At the same time, DCSs can use distributed networked decision-making systems for factory-wide control solutions. There is an ongoing technological revolution in the application of networked embedded computing to control. Advancements in this area are driven by low-cost and high-performance microcontrollers that have onboard data acquisition as well as the controller area network (CAN) or wireless Ethernet technologies that interconnect these microcontrollers. There are software tools for developing and implementing such embedded distributed networked control systems. The codesign of software and feedback controls for both DCS and networked embedded controls is a topic of current investigation for control and software engineers [1]. For additional information on DCS products and networked embedded controls see “Additional Resources.” While industry continues to exploit information technology for distributed feedback control, universities face the challenge of revising their curricula to suit the educational needs of future engineers in this area. We can identify two research thrusts that support relevant educational experiences. First, cooperative robotics involves groups of ground, underwater, flying, or space robots that perform tasks such as cooperative search, cooperative pushing of an object, or coordinated group New challenges from information technology-enabled feedback control