Projects / Programmes
Modelling, simulation and control of processes
January 1, 2015
- December 31, 2018
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.06.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Systems and cybernetics |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| T120 |
Technological sciences |
Systems engineering, computer technology |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 2.02 |
Engineering and Technology |
Electrical engineering, Electronic engineering, Information engineering |
System theory, control technology, modelling and identification of systems, simulation, multivariable systems, adaptive systems, predictive control, intelligent control, hybrid systems, biomedical processes, artificial intelligence, autonomous mobile systems.
Researchers (19)
Organisations (1)
Abstract
The research program is divided into two major parts: Modeling, simulation and control of complex systems and the part about Autonomous mobile systems.
The first part, which contains the area of modeling, simulation and control covers, due to their infrastructural nature, a broad range of diverse problem domains, and research approaches what requires an integral and comprehensive approach. In this case, the overlapping between basic and applied research, with emphasis to the development of new methods for modeling, identification and control and their transfer into practice is planned. The goal is the development of new methods based on a combination of modern and classical approaches in terms of achieving the most efficient and more useful modelling and control. From the problem point of view, we will focus our research to the bio science, ecology, energy in buildings and process industries. This part is divided into three areas. The first one is the area of modeling and simulation, where we will investigate model based design of logic control, modeling and analysis of the dynamics of production indicators, optimization of the EAF steel recycling process and investigate the possibility of using smart sensors in the process of EAF as well as the possibilities to optimize energy efficiency of buildings and living comfort. In the second area we will investigate modern methods of identification systems, analyze evolving mechanisms for identification of fuzzy models, create a software package for identification and develop a new hybrid method of nonlinear system identification. The third area is devoted to the research of control and optimization methods based on interval fuzzy models, the adaptive control of nonlinear time-varying processes and control of the systems with variable dead–time.
The second part, which is problem and application oriented, are autonomous mobile systems (AMS). Our current activities are focused on getting methodological skills and use them in certain applications (wheeled robots, airplanes and satellites). These skills include a variety of approaches from the field of AMS: control (predictive, fuzzy and visual-based control), trajectory tracking, obstacles avoidance and trajectory planning, sensors (processing information from sensors, modeling and soft sensors), fusion of information from different sensors for the purpose of localization, mapping and control. This part is divided into four research areas. In the first a robust control system for trajectory tracking of autonomous mobile system is investigated. The second area is dealing with integration of embedded systems in autonomous mobile systems. In the third area the fusion of different sensors for the localization of autonomous mobile systems will be investigated and in the fourth area the intelligent control of autonomous mobile system for rehabilitation and assistance to elderly people will be developed and implemented.
Significance for science
Our research interest covers two fields – first one deals with modelling, simulation and control being focused on fundamental research in these areas. This field also tries to introduce the known and newly developed methods into the real world applications. The second field that deals with autonomous mobile systems emphasizes the usage of the newly developed methods in practical applications of such systems. Both fields are highly focused on integration of classical theoretical principles, methods based on artificial intelligence and practical implementation studies (implementation technologies).
International relevance of the proposed research fields can be justified by priority areas of the framework Horizon 2020. Proposed research fields fall in particular into the scope of Living Online, scopes of Environment, Mobility and Smart Cities and the scope of Science & Technlogy, covering the important research area of Robotics and Components & Systems. Proposed research fields also coincide with the proposed priority areas within the smart specialization strategies (Strategija pametne specializacije) by which Slovenia is planning to focus the investments and funding into the research, development and innovation of fields, which would yield the greatest effects on the economy. Our research fields are also a part of one of the Slovenia’s key priorities in the area of Production, processing, and information communication technologies. Relevance of the proposed program can be observed by comparing it with programs of similar groups around the world and by the plans to participate in the framework Horizon 2020 projects. However, it is necessary to keep a certain balance between domestic needs and global trends as well as a balance between research and evolving/updating the educational programs. This is achieved by both horizontal and vertical knowledge transfer through the use and exploitation of modern media and communications technologies.
Certain areas of the proposed research areas have already been partially investigated and the group have already produced valuable results and publications, which will be further upgraded. Our research of other presented areas will provide brand new solutions with new results.
Significance for the country
Our research is a part of an area called Production, process, information and communication technologies, which is a one of the key areas according to the document Smart specialization strategies. This document defines the priority areas in which Slovenia tends to focus the investment of development founds regarding the research, development and innovations. The defined areas are supposed to gain the greatest effects on the economy.
Control technology is an area that has multiple profound effects on society reflected trough a variety of important factors from the aspects of sustainable development such as: decrease of energy consumption, materials and pollution, increase of product quality, added value and improvement of working conditions. The Control technology area is therefore one of the strategic directions for the world and also Slovenia, especially due to current backlog of our industry in this area.
The research results should contribute to higher competitiveness and competence of service organizations and industry. This should also have an indirect impact on society by enabling an adequate training of the personnel and informing them of high-tech approaches, knowledge and findings regarding the control strategies as well as to create a more innovative working environment and new jobs.
The improvement of the above mentioned factors can also have a beneficial effects on the area of population health care, the environment, defense, etc.
As previous experience show, the promotional aspects can be expected through journal publications and conferences, which will help maintain the position as one of the leading research groups in the field of modeling and control in Europe.
The major indirect effect of our research will be visible in the educational process at the Faculty of electrical engineering, University of Ljubljana. Our educational process is constantly complemented by our and others current research results. So we are constantly transferring new knowledge and technologies to the industry through our students. This is especially important since our group represents one of the most important educational institution in the field of control technologies in Slovenia, educating more than half of Slovenian control engineers, which are highly wanted both at home and abroad.
Last but not least, the influence of the group and its socio-economic effects is also reflected through the fact that their members were the leading founders of the Slovenian automation society and Slovenian simulation and modelling society and they chaired the Federation of European Simulation EUROSIM from 2004 to 2007.
The above-mentioned facts show the importance of our group for the profession, engineering practice and socio-economic development of Slovenia.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2015,
2016,
2017,
final report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2015,
2016,
2017,
final report
