Each one of the nine Coordinating Committees (CCs) consists of a number of Technical Committees (TCs). Each TC coincides with a technical area within the CC. The scope of each technical area is described below.
All Technical Areas and the respective chairs can be found at:
https://www.ifac-control.org/areas
1 SYSTEMS AND SIGNALS
1.1 Modelling, Identification, and Signal Processing
1.2 Adaptative and Learning Systems
Developing control design methods for all systems that are subject to model uncertainty and compensating for uncertainty by using adaptation and machine learning techniques. The TC members' expertise include the design of adaptive controllers, adaptive state observers, adaptive parameter estimators, adaptive predictors, adaptive filters, etc.
1.3 Discrete Event and Hybrid Systems
All aspects of analysis and control of Discrete Event Systems and Hybrid Systems.
1.4 Stochastic Systems
All aspects related to probabilistic and statistical methods in modelling, identification, estimation and control.
1.5 Networked Systems
2 DESIGN METHODS
2.1 Control Design
Design of feedback systems, including data-based control, fault tolerant control, switching control, observer design, supervision and computational techniques.
2.2 Linear Control Systems
Study and investigation on structural properties, analysis and synthesis of linear dynamical systems, including n-D, infinite dimensional, singular, positive, fractional, delayed, time and structure varying systems.
2.3 Non-linear Control Systems
Methods for analysis and design of control systems described by non-linear differential or difference equations including the application of these methods.
2.4 Optimal Control
The development and application of theory and methods for solving optimal control problems, as well as the closed-loop implementation of optimal controllers on real-time computer systems. Particular methods include, but are not limited to, the calculus of variations, Pontryagin's maximum principle, dynamic programming, model predictive control and differential games.
2.5 Robust Control
Modelling of systems affected by uncertainty and the development of computational techniques for analysis, optimal controller synthesis and implementation.
2.6. Distributed Parameter Systems
Fostering methods and systematics for modeling, analysis, and control/observer design for distributed parameter systems.
3 COMPUTERS, COGNITION AND COMMUNICATION
3.1 Computers for Control
Embedded and cyber-physical systems for real- time control with special emphasis in model-driven paradigm, modeling languages, verification & validation and certification, execution platforms including multi-core, real-time operating systems, virtualization layer for mixed-criticality systems and networks. Scheduling methods and real-time networks, as well as control techniques for computer systems.
3.2 Computational Intelligence in Control
Focuses on all aspects of knowledge-based, fuzzy and neuro-fuzzy and neural (both, artificial and biologically plausible) systems and evolutionary algorithms relevant to control, both in theory and application driven.
3.3 Telematics: Control via Communication Networks
Computerized and telecommunication-based automation systems providing services to remote equipment for tele-operation, tele-maintenance, tele-medicine and tele-education, and their methodologies. Concepts of Cyber Physical Systems, Industrial Internet and of Internet of Thins, which enlarge the scope of classical remote control.
4 MECHATRONICS, ROBOTICS AND COMPONENTS
4.2 Mechatronics Systems
The synergistic combination of precision mechanical engineering, electronic control and systems thinking in the design of products and processes.
4.3 Robotics
Robots manipulators and stationary robots, mobile and flying robots, autonomous systems, tele-robotics and internet robots. Intelligent robotics, perception and sensing, information and sensor fusion, guidance, navigation and control.
4.5 Human-Machine Systems
This TC is concerned with complex technical or social systems where human factors and tight human-machine interaction/coupling play a significant role as an integral component. It is primarily aimed at promoting analysis, design, modeling, optimization, control, and evaluation of human-machine systems, human-automation integration, and brain-machine interfacing systems.
5 MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS
5.1 Manufacturing Plant Control
All aspects of modelling, methodologies, tools, applications related to automation, information and communication technologies needed to control the manufacturing plant within the e-enterprise. Investigations on new manufacturing plants as advocated by "Factory of the Future" or "Industry 4.0" visions.
5.2 Manufacturing Modelling for Management and Control
Models of e-manufacturing and supply chain systems, for production and service management, design, and control in communication and Internet based enterprises.
5.3 Enterprise Integration and Networking
Enterprise integration, enterprise architectures, enterprise engineering methods, enterprise modelling. Use of technologies (Robots, CPS, IoT) in the networked enterprise to support interoperability.
5.4 Large Scale Complex Systems
Theory of complex systems, decentralized control and estimation, decision-making, hierarchical optimization and control, networked/interconnected systems, communication-based information systems.
6 INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS
6.1 Chemical Process Control
Modeling and control of chemical and biological processes.
6.2 Mining, Mineral and Metal Processing
All aspects of modeling, automation, control and optimization in the field of mining, mineral and metal processing.
6.3 Power and Energy Systems
All aspects of modelling, operation, and control of power and energy systems.
6.4 Fault Detection, Supervision & Safety of Technical Processes - SAFEPROCESS
On-line fault detection and isolation; fault decision theory; diagnosis, monitoring and supervision based on hardware and analytical redundancy.
7 TRANSPORTATION AND VEHICLES SYSTEMS
7.1 Automotive Control
Modeling, supervision, control, and diagnosis of automotive systems, power trains, vehicle dynamic systems, automotive sensors, integrated traffic, and in-vehicle communication.
7.2 Marine Systems
Theory and application of control engineering and artificial intelligence techniques to the maritime field. Navigation, guidance and control, monitoring and surveillance, fault diagnosis, optimization, planning, modelling, identification, human factors and control architectures.
7.3 Aerospace
Dynamics, control, and mission control of all aeronautical and space related vehicles and vehicle systems.
7.4 Transportation Systems
Ground transportation systems (road and guided transport) and air traffic control systems for both passengers and transported goods.
7.5 Intelligent Autonomous Vehicles
Generic system methodologies and technologies applicable to intelligent autonomous vehicles including mobile robots on land, at sea, or in space.
8 BIO AND ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS
8.1 Control in Agriculture
Modeling, simulation and control aspects of agricultural machines, systems, and processes; Tools, techniques and methodologies for crop production and animal husbandry; post-harvest systems and processes (grading, drying, storage of crops); Food processing methods and systems (efficiency, quality and safety); Environmental and climate control of greenhouses, vertical farming environments, warehouses and animal houses; Energy efficiency and precision agricultural issues.
8.2 Biological and Medical Systems
Applications of systems, modelling, informatics and control concepts, methodology and techniques in biology, physiology, medicine and healthcare.
8.3 Modelling and Control of Environmental Systems
Modelling and control methodologies for reliable management of natural resources and prevention and mitigation of environmental hazards and disasters. Application areas include, but are not limited to, urban and rural water systems and pollution control of soil, water, and air.
8.4 Biosystems and Bioprocesses
Promotion of research and development in all major areas of biotechnology where computers are used to aid bioprocess design, supervision, diagnosis, operation, optimisation and control.
9 SOCIAL SYSTEMS
9.1 Economic, Business and Financial Systems
Modeling, analysis, synthesis, control, and management of Economic, Business, and Financial Systems. Operating at the interface between economics, business administration and financial engineering. Exploring theoretical and computational methods and tools for decision and control in economics, finance and management.
9.2 Social Impact of Automation
Relations between automated systems and social environments, including social effects of automation, requirements for automation development, and environmental and health implications.
9.3 Control for Smart Cities
Promote research and education of control for smart cities, includes but is not limited to buildings, transportation systems, water system management, pollution monitoring and control systems.
9.4 Control Education
Education issues in control engineering. Methodologies for improving the theory, practice and accessibility of control systems education. Improving awareness of the general population in the importance of systems and control.
9.5 Technology, Culture and International Stability (TECIS)
Identification, definition, and improvement of factors which significantly influence international stability and improve its effectiveness.