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227-0216-00L 6 Credits BSC , MSC D-BSSE , D-ARCH , D-MAVT , D-INFK , D-MATH , D-PHYS , D-ITET

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Computational Control

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Saverio Bolognani

VVZ CR 3.35

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:33:10

Abstract

The focus of the course is on the design of advanced controllers for cyber-physical systems, that is, systems in which the controller is an embedded computer that can sense and actuate a physical plant. Advanced computational control strategies like Model Predictive Control, Reinforcement Learning, and Data-Driven control will be covered.

Objective

The objective of the course is to prepare students to the design of advanced digital control systems: this includes comparing alternative control strategies, deciding what class of controllers to employ for a specific problem, tune the controller in order to meet the desired specifications, and produce a conceptual design of how the controller can be implemented and deployed. Simplifying assumptions on the underlying plant that were made in the course Control Systems are relaxed, and advanced computational control concepts and techniques are presented.

Content

The course will cover both the challenges of a digital control system and the many possibilities offered by powerful computation in control. Different aspects and challenges of embedded control of cyber-physical systems will be discussed. We will then review the limitations of classical control strategies like PID control and LQR control, and motivate the need for controllers that employ significant real-time computation. In particular, we will look into Model Predictive Control, Reinforcement Learning, Data-Driven control, and possibly other advanced computational control techniques.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture notes will be available on the Moodle page of the course.

Literature

References to the literature will be provided during the course. No textbook is necessary, but students are encouraged to read the suggested readings.

General Information

Language: English
Levels: BSC , MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: written 120 minutes
Aids: No written aids are allowed.

The examination consists in a written exam (70%) + a compulsory written project (30%) that needs to be completed during the semester.

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Computational Control	Mon 10:15-12:00 (HG D 1.1)	2 h weekly
exercise	Computational Control	Wed 10:15-12:00 (HG E 1.2)	2 h weekly

Offered In

Rechnergestützte Wissenschaften Bachelor
- Vertiefungsgebiete
  - Systems and Control
Elektrotechnik und Informationstechnologie Bachelor
- Wahlfächer (Dies ist nur eine kleine Auswahl. Als Wahlfächer können aber auch weitere Fächer aus dem Angebot der ETH belegt werden, siehe dazu die "Richtlinien zu Projekten, Praktika, Seminare", .)
  - Ingenieurswissenschaftliche Wahlfächer
Maschineningenieurwissenschaften Master
- Kernfächer
Rechnergestützte Wissenschaften Master
- Vertiefungsgebiete
  - Systems and Control
Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Master (More informations at: )
- Vertiefungsfächer (A total of 30 ECTS needs to be acquired in the Advanced Courses category. Thereof at least 16 ECTS in the Theory and 10 ECTS in the Biology category.)
  - Theorie (At least 16 ECTS need to be acquired in this category.)
Elektrotechnik und Informationstechnologie Master
- Master-Studium (Studienreglement 2018)
  - Vertiefung: Communication (The core courses and specialization courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialize in the area of "Communication", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Vertiefungsfächer (These specialization courses are particularly recommended for the area of "Communication", but you are free to choose courses from any other field in agreement with your tutor. Semester / Research Projects are not allowed in this category. A minimum of 40 credits must be obtained from specialization courses during the Master's Programme.)
  - Vertiefung: Systems and Control (The core courses and specialization courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialize in the area of "Systems and Control", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Kernfächer (These core courses are particularly recommended for the field of "Systems and Control". You may choose core courses form other fields in agreement with your tutor. A minimum of 24 credits must be obtained from core courses during the MSc EEIT.)
      - Advanced Core Courses
- Master-Studium (Studienreglement 2008)
  - Fächer der Vertiefung (A total of 42 CP must be achieved form courses during the Master Program. The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval. Semester / Research Projects are not allowed in this category.)
    - Communication
      - Empfohlene Fächer (Diese Fächer sind eine Empfehlung. Sie können Fächer aus allen Vertiefungsrichtungen wählen. Sprechen Sie mit Ihrem Tutor.)
    - Systems and Control
      - Kernfächer (Diese Fächer sind besonders Empfohlen, um sich in "Systems and Control" zu vertiefen.)
Robotics, Systems and Control Master
- Kernfächer
Integrated Building Systems Master
- Hauptfächer
  - Vertiefungsfächer
Quantum Engineering Master
- Wahlfächer (This is a selection of courses particularly suitable for the MSc QE. In agreement with the tutor, students may choose other courses from the ETH course catalogue.)