Geometry of Gyroscopic Feedback: From Rigid Bodies to Swarms

P. S. Krishnaprasad, University of Maryland at College Park, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Institute for Systems Research

From its early roots in spinning tops, the role of gyroscopic coupling in stability and control has drawn attention in mechanics and mathematics. In modern times, the steering of particle beams and aircraft formations offer new opportunities to think about gyroscopic control. This talk will be about geometrical aspects of gyroscopic control and will explore stabilizing feedback laws in various settings. Some of this work is joint with Eric Justh.