Adaptive memory in multi-model switching control of uncertain plants

This paper describes some recent results in multi-model switching control. The scheme here considered embeds a finite family of pre-designed controllers and a high-level unit which selects, at each instant of time, the candidate controller to be placed in feedback to the uncertain plant. The study considers a switching strategy where controller selection is based on windowed cost functions. The key feature of the proposed strategy is that the window (the memory) is not kept constant, but, on the contrary, is adjusted on-line, on the grounds of measured data. The potential benefits of using an adaptive memory switching strategy are discussed and illustrated through a benchmark example.