Controlling Complex Systems
arXiv:2504.07579 · doi:10.1016/B978-0-443-14081-5.00167-7
Abstract
This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of controlling collective behavior in complex systems comprising large ensembles of interacting dynamical agents. Building upon traditional control theory's foundation in individual systems, we introduce tools designed to address the unique challenges of coordinating networks that exhibit emergent phenomena, including consensus, synchronization, and pattern formation. We analyze how local agent interactions generate macroscopic behaviors and investigate the fundamental role of network topology in determining system dynamics. Inspired by natural systems, we emphasize control strategies that achieve global coordination through localized interventions while considering practical implementation challenges. The chapter concludes by presenting novel frameworks for managing very large agent ensembles and leveraging interacting networks for control purposes.
References in corpus (6)
- Synchronization in complex networks
- The structure and dynamics of multilayer networks
- Pinning-controllability of complex networks
- Complexity: The bigger picture
- Symmetries and Cluster Synchronization in Multilayer Networks
- A Continuation Method for Large-Scale Modeling and Control: from ODEs to PDE, a Round Trip