Experiments for control research - Control Systems Magazine, IEEE

I n the past decade, there has been an explosion of activity in what we commonly call control experimentation. Even without a definitive statement of what constitutes a control experiment, there can be little doubt that the implementation of control theory on control hardware can have only a positive impact on control engineering and control education. Since the ultimate goal of control theory is to enhance the performance and reliability of operational systems, control experiments provide a valuable link between theory and practice. The articles in this issue were selected largely for their contribution to improving our understanding of the role of control experiments in control research. Consequently, each article includes perspective on the conceptualization, design, construction, and operation of laboratory experiments. In addition, the authors of each article make a conscious effort to discuss the effect of their experimental activities on the development of control ideas. Although there is less emphasis on how these experiments might impact control practice, it is only a small step to drawing conclusions in that direction as well. © M A S T E R S E R IE S & E Y E W IR E Introduction to the special section. G U E S T E D I T O R I A L I I