Advances in the linguistic synthesis of fuzzy controllers

The purpose of this article is to survey the field of application of fuzzy logic in the synthesis of controllers for dynamic plants. A brief tutorial on the method of approach is also included here. Several groups of workers are currently studying various aspects of fuzzy controllers. For each such group a short account is given on the area of investigation undertaken. This along with the list of references provided here should give a broad picture of ongoing research on fuzzy controllers. Although most work is conducted using pilot scale or simulated plants, there are prospects also of an eventual application to a real plant. Some of the problems underlying actual application of fuzzy controllers are mentioned. These principally amount to the use of heuristics in plant controllers and the question of how to obtain an effective set of rules for a given plant. It is proposed that adaptive techniques in linguistic controllers currently being studied may provide a useful possible approach.