Introduction to AI Control
R. Pasko · 2026
This chapter introduces artificial intelligence in control systems by first defining what AI-based control is and how it differs from conventional control approaches. It then provides historical and technical background to show how advances in computation, data availability, and learning algorithms made intelligent control methods practical for engineering use. After establishing this foundation, the chapter examines the limitations of classical control in systems that are nonlinear, time-varying, high-dimensional, or difficult to model accurately. These challenges motivate the use of intelligent control methods such as neural networks, fuzzy logic, and reinforcement learning. The chapter also highlights representative application domains where AI-based control has become increasingly relevant. Together, these topics establish the motivation, context, and conceptual foundation for the methods developed throughout the rest of the book.