Multilevel modeling and control of dynamic systems

The underlying changes of complex dynamic systems are affected by numerous highly interdependent components with nonlinear interactions and cannot be suitably predicted by merely analyzing their individual parts. Recent technological developments (reducing the size of actuators and sensors, increasing speed and productivity) make it possible to monitor and handle systems on time, even during transient processes. In many practical applications, to effectively study rapidly evolving systems, their structure has to be examined at three levels: Micro-Scale (Short-Term), Meso-Scale (Intermediate-Term), and Macro-Scale (Long-Term). This multiscale framework provides a powerful tool for understanding and managing the intricate dynamics of complex systems. Macro-scale and micro-scale approaches are conventionally utilized in general system modeling and control theory, especially within the fields of networked control and multi-agent systems. By leveraging the meso-scale perspective, it is possible to balance detailed component analysis with overarching system behaviors, thereby enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of operational strategies in complex systems. This paper presents and discusses a formal meso-level depiction of dynamics and control, assuming a finite number of attractors form and remain stable over time progress. Integral characteristics and dynamics of clusters are defined, simplifying control synthesis while maintaining problem formulation. A significant challenge is the model error due to changing cluster structures linked to randomized estimation and optimization algorithms valid under unknown disturbances. To demonstrate the practicality of this framework, the approach is applied to control tasks of a group of robots, leading to scalable and effective control strategies.