Elements of neural control

This chapter provides an overview on the elements of neural control. It is a branch of the general field of intelligent control, which is based on the concept of artificial intelligence (AI). The AI techniques are generally classified as expert systems (ES), fuzzy logic (FL) and artificial neural networks (ANN). The classical expert systems are based on Boolean algebra and use precise calculations while fuzzy logic systems involve calculations based on an approximate reasoning. Fuzzy logic has emerged as a profitable tool for the control of complex industrial processes and systems. It is used for processes that have no simple mathematical model, for highly non-linear processes, or where the processing of linguistically formulated knowledge is to be performed. Although it was invented in the United States, the rapid growth of this technology originated from Japan, and has now again reached the USA and Europe. The controllers based on this mathematical approach are known as fuzzy controllers.