Wireless Control Systems

Karl H. Johansson, Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden

Abstract:  The growing number of embedded computer and sensor devices equipped with radio interfaces in industry and society in general poses a wealth of challenging research problems for systems and control. There is a lack of theory supporting design and operation of these networked systems. In this talk, we will argue about the influence of the architecture on the robustness and performance of control and estimation over wireless networks. Questions will be raised on good vs bad network topologies, layered vs flat communication structures, and end-to-end vs intermediate controls. Results will be illustrated on problems from industrial automation, personal communication, and vehicle control.