säätötieteen

Säätötiede, often translated as control science or control theory, is a multidisciplinary field that deals with the behavior of dynamical systems. It is concerned with how to influence the behavior of these systems to achieve desired outcomes. At its core, säätötiede seeks to design controllers that can manipulate a system's inputs to produce a specific output, often in the presence of uncertainties and disturbances.

The fundamental concept in säätötiede is feedback. A feedback control system measures the system's output, compares it to the desired setpoint, and then uses the difference, or error, to adjust the input. This continuous monitoring and adjustment allows the system to maintain its desired state even when external factors try to push it away. Examples of feedback control are ubiquitous, from the thermostat in a home regulating room temperature to the cruise control in a car maintaining speed.

Säätötiede has its roots in the early 20th century, with significant advancements made during World War II for applications in targeting and guidance systems. Since then, it has expanded to encompass a vast array of applications across engineering, economics, biology, and many other disciplines. Key areas within säätötiede include linear and nonlinear control, optimal control, adaptive control, and robust control, each offering different approaches to designing effective control strategies for various types of systems. The ultimate goal is to ensure stability, performance, and reliability of the controlled systems.