• Intelligent System Control

The design and application of intelligent control systems, with a focus on modern
algorithmic computer-aided design methods, is what students will be introduced to during
this module. Starting from the well-known proportional-integral algorithm, essential
concepts such as digital and optimal control will be familiarised using straightforward
algebra and block diagrams.

The module addresses the needs of students across the engineering discipline who
would like to advance their knowledge of automatic control and optimisation, with the
lectures being supported by practical worked-examples based on recent research into
robotics, mechatronic and environmental systems, among other areas.

Students shall also be taught statistical modelling concepts that have a wide ranging
application for control, signal processing and forecasting, with applications beyond
engineering into health and medicine, economics, etc.

The concept of state variable feedback is utilised as a unifying framework for generalised
digital control system design. This approach provides a relatively gentle learning curve,
from which potentially difficult topics, such as optimal, stochastic and multivariable
control, can be introduced and assimilated in an interesting and straightforward manner.
The module also aims to develop an appreciation of the constraints under which
industrial applications of control operate, and to introduce the computational tools
needed for designing these control systems.

Major global companies across the engineering discipline, including automotive and
communications companies, have positions for graduates with a control engineering
background. This module is also very useful for those who wish to work with robotics and
autonomous systems.

Ultimately, students will come to understand various hierarchical architectures of

intelligent control. They will also be able to design optimal model-based control systems
and design and evaluate system performance for practical applications.