Simple adaptive control by fuzzy boxes methodology

"Simplicity is an advantage", particularly in solving real-life problems. Control engineering is not the exception. Simple control algorithms capable of controlling complex systems are dreams of all control engineers. 30 years ago Michie and Chambers (1968) had introduced the control methodology with such properties. They called it the boxes methodology. On the other hand, these days we are witnessing the commercial success of another simple and effective control procedure: fuzzy control. This paper shows the common points of both control procedures and looks at the boxes methodology as a special case of the fuzzy control principle. Theoretical, simulation and experimental results are given as well.