Optimization-based Control Group

Research

Prof. Dr. Karl Worthmann is Heisenberg Professor for Optimization-based Control. The term "control" in the denomination of his field includes both open-loop control and closed-loop control. It is precisely the interplay between open-loop and closed-loop control that is at the heart of modern methods of nonlinear system theory such as model predictive control (MPC). Here, the dynamic behavior of the (technical) systems under consideration is modeled, e.g. via ordinary or partial differential equations, and then predicted as a function of input variables (optimization variables) to be selected. Used correctly, this approach can achieve desired system properties such as asymptotic stability. Karl Worthmann's research uses methods from various mathematical fields, including modeling, optimization, and numerics. In addition, there is a wide range of applications in industry and business, e.g. in robotics, medical technology or in the course of the energy transition.