Future directions in control in an information-rich world

The Panel on Future Directions in Control, Dynamics, and Systems was formed in April 2000 to provide a renewed vision of future challenges and opportunities in the control field, along with recommendations to government agencies, universities, and research organizations to ensure continued progress in areas of importance to the industrial and defense base. The panel released a report in April 2002, the intent of which is to raise the overall visibility of research in control, highlight its importance in applications of national interest, and indicate some of the key trends that are important for continued vitality of the field. After a brief introduction, we summarize the report, discuss its applications and education and outreach, and conclude with some recommendations.