In recent years works done by most researchers towards building autonomous intelligent controllers frequently mention the need for a methodology of design and a measure of how successful the final result is. This monograph introduces a design methodology for intelligent controllers based on the analytic theory of intelligent machines introduced by Saridis in the 1970s. The methodology relies on the existing knowledge about designing the different sub-systems composing an intelligent machine. Its goal is to provide a performance measure applicable to any of the sub-systems, and use that measure to learn on-line the best among the set of pre-designed alternatives, given the state of the environment where the machine operates. Different designs can be compared using this novel approach.

In recent years works done by most researchers towards building autonomous intelligent controllers frequently mention the need for a methodology of design and a measure of how successful the final result is. This monograph introduces a design methodology for intelligent controllers based on the analytic theory of intelligent machines introduced by Saridis in the 1970s. The methodology relies on the existing knowledge about designing the different sub-systems composing an intelligent machine. Its goal is to provide a performance measure applicable to any of the sub-systems, and use that measure to learn on-line the best among the set of pre-designed alternatives, given the state of the environment where the machine operates. Different designs can be compared using this novel approach.

In recent years, our world has experienced a profound shift and progression in available computing and knowledge sharing innovations. These emerging advancements have developed at a rapid pace, disseminating into and affecting numerous aspects of contemporary society. This has created a pivotal need for an innovative compendium encompassing the latest trends, concepts, and issues surrounding this relevant discipline area. During the past 15 years, the Encyclopedia of Information Science and Technology has become recognized as one of the landmark sources of the latest knowledge and discoveries in this discipline. The Encyclopedia of Information Science and Technology, Fourth Edition is a 10-volume set which includes 705 original and previously unpublished research articles covering a full range of perspectives, applications, and techniques contributed by thousands of experts and researchers from around the globe. This authoritative encyclopedia is an all-encompassing, well-established reference source that is ideally designed to disseminate the most forward-thinking and diverse research findings. With critical perspectives on the impact of information science management and new technologies in modern settings, including but not limited to computer science, education, healthcare, government, engineering, business, and natural and physical sciences, it is a pivotal and relevant source of knowledge that will benefit every professional within the field of information science and technology and is an invaluable addition to every academic and corporate library.

This book attempts to couple control engineering with modern developments in science, through the concept of entropy. Such disciplines as intelligent machines, economics, manufacturing, environmental systems, waste etc. can be favorably affected and their performance can be improved or their catastrophic effects minimized. Entropy is used as the unifying measure of the various, seemingly disjoint, disciplines to represent the cost of producing work that improves the standard of living, both in engineering and in science. Modeling is done through probabilistic methods, thus establishing the irreversibility of the processes involved. This is in accordance with the modern view of science. In addition, the behavior of control for an arbitrary but fixed controller away from the optimal (equilibrium) has been obtained, the analytic expression of which should lead to chaotic solutions. The control activity is explained, based on the principle that control is making a system do what we want it to do. This helps to relate control theory with the sciences.

This collection of twenty-three timely contributions covers a well-selected repertory of topics within the autonomous systems field. The book discusses a range of design, construction, control, and operation problems along with a multiplicity of well-established and novel solutions.

This book presents the result of 30 years' work on the original material related to “thinking machines”, a subject initiated by the author and his colleagues. It is based on the ability of the computer to represent the hierarchical procedure of task conception and execution found in human beings. It is arranged in three levels representing the structure of organizational systems: organization, coordination and execution. Hierarchically Intelligent Machines can serve as a guide to modern intelligent robots.

This book reports on the latest developments in sliding mode overhead crane control, presenting novel research ideas and findings on sliding mode control (SMC), hierarchical SMC and compensator design-based hierarchical sliding mode. The results, which were previously scattered across various journals and conference proceedings, are now presented in a systematic and unified form. The book will be of interest to researchers, engineers and graduate students in control engineering and mechanical engineering who want to learn the methods and applications of SMC.