This Workshop focuses on such issues as control algorithms which are suitable for real-time use, computer architectures which are suitable for real-time control algorithms, and applications for real-time control issues in the areas of parallel algorithms, multiprocessor systems, neural networks, fault-tolerance systems, real-time robot control identification, real-time filtering algorithms, control algorithms, fuzzy control, adaptive and self-tuning control, and real-time control applications.

The 5th IFAC Workshop on Algorithms and Architectures for Real-Time Control (AARTC '98) was organized under the auspices of the IFAC Technical Committee. This Committee is concerned with the use of emerging software and hardware developments in real-time control. The AARTC '98 Technical Programme consisted of seventeen sessions, covering major areas of software, hardware and applications for real-time control, namely robotics, modeling and control, software design tools and methodologies, industrial process control and manufacturing systems, parallel and distributed systems, non-linear control systems, neural networks, parallel and distributed algorithms for real-time signal processing and control, transport applications, algorithms, fault tolerant systems and fuzzy control. The contributions were selected from a large number of high-quality full draft papers and late breaking paper contributions presenting very recent research work.

These proceedings contain the selection of papers presented at the IFAC Workshop on Algorithms and Architectures for Real-Time Control (AARTC '97) held at the Vilamoura Marina Hotel, Vilamoura, Portugal. Rapid developments in microelectronics and computer science continue to provide opportunities for real-time control engineers to address new challenges. New opportunities arise from such diverse directions as ever-increasing system complexity and sophistication, environmental legislation, economic competition, safety and reliability. These are typical themes which were highlighted at the IFAC AARTC '97 Workshop. The AARTC '97 Final Programme consisted of 22 sessions covering major areas of software, hardware and applications for real-time control. Important topics were "soft" computing methods, software tools and architectures, embedded systems, parallel and distributed systems, architectures, custom processors, algorithms, estimation methods, neural networks, fuzzy methods, PID controllers, transport applications, industrial process control, robotics, and discrete-event and hybrid systems.

This set of proceedings contains the most significant papers presented at the third IFAC Workshop on Artificial Intelligence in Real-time Control, which was held from September 23-25, 1991 in the USA. In this workshop, although there were still some "exotic" applications, a more practical view of the applications and limitations of current AI technology dominated the participants' discussions. With its resultant focus on reliability and safety considerations, the workshop posed as many questions as it answered. It provides an excellent mirror of the current state-of-the-art which these proceedings are intended to illustrate.

The Engineering of Complex Real-Time Computer Control Systems brings together in one place important contributions and up-to-date research results in this important area. The Engineering of Complex Real-Time Computer Control Systems serves as an excellent reference, providing insight into some of the most important research issues in the field.

The symposium had two main aims, to investigate the state-of-the-art in the application of artificial intelligence techniques in real-time control, and to bring together control system specialists, artificial intelligence specialists and end-users. Many professional engineers working in industry feel that the gap between theory and practice in applying control and systems theory is widening, despite efforts to develop control algorithms. Papers presented at the meeting ranged from the theoretical aspects to the practical applications of artificial intelligence in real-time control. Themes were: the methodology of artificial intelligence techniques in control engineering; the application of artificial intelligence techniques in different areas of control; and hardware and software requirements. This symposium showed that there exist alternative possibilities for control based on artificial intelligence techniques.

This book introduces the advantages of parallel processing and details how to use it to deal with common signal processing and control algorithms. The text includes examples and end-of-chapter exercises, and case studies to put theoretical concepts into a practical context.

Real-Time Systems in Mechatronic Applications brings together in one place important contributions and up-to-date research results in this fast moving area. Real-Time Systems in Mechatronic Applications serves as an excellent reference, providing insight into some of the most challenging research issues in the field.

Artificial Intelligence is one of the new technologies that has contributed to the successful development and implementation of powerful and friendly control systems. These systems are more attractive to end-users shortening the gap between control theory applications. The IFAC Symposia on Artificial Intelligence in Real Time Control provides the forum to exchange ideas and results among the leading researchers and practitioners in the field. This publication brings together the papers presented at the latest in the series and provides a key evaluation of present and future developments of Artificial Intelligence in Real Time Control system technologies.