Control Theory & Computing: A Limited Union

Control theory has had a productive but limited relationship with computing theory and systems. Since its modern beginnings in the work of Wiener, control theory has expanded its application domains and its theoretical foundations, but its impact on modern computing systems remains largely unfulfilled. In recent years however, problems at the interface between control theory and computer science have become more common and are increasingly attracting the interest of researchers in both fields. Such problems include for example resource allocation problems over computer networks, access control, congestion control, as well as hybrid systems problems. This talk will review major control theoretic advances focusing on those that have or will potentially impact computing systems and services. The speaker will highlight some of his group's recent work on networked control systems.