Computers allow us to perform many tasks with levels of reliability and accuracy that have never before been possible. Control engineering is benefiting from new technologies, such as networking of computers, ever-increasing computer power, mechatronics and intelligent sensors for improving the reliability and safety of control systems, which will have profound implications for all application areas of engineering. Implementing sophisticated control algorithms and structures are within easy reach, and researchers are working on a road-map for computer control in the 21st century. The first IFAC Conference on New Technologies for Computer Control was a multi-track conference organized by the IFAC Coordinating Committee on Computer Control, together with its five technical committees: Distributed Computer Control Systems, Real-Time Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence in Real-Time Control, Algorithms and Architectures for Real-Time Control, and Safety of Computer Control Systems. The papers presented cover a broad range of topics under the above headings and form a collection of material representing the state of the research field as assessed by the world's leading pundits. Topics covered include: parallel and distributed computing, software architecture and hardware for distributed computer control, real-time operating systems, real-time communication architectures, intelligent control, evolutionary control techniques and safety aspects of control systems. Six plenary papers were delivered by experts in computer control covering standards for real-time computer systems, delivery of time-sensitive information, evolutionary computing for control engineers, transparent neuro-fuzzy modelling and computer control of combustion engines.

Table of Contents:
Plenary papers. design of computer controlled combustion engines, R. Isermann, N. Muller; CORBA and control systems research, R. San; evolutionary computing: opportunities for control, P.J. Flemming, R.C. Purshouse; temporally consistent delivery of time-sensitive information: solutions and challenges K. Ramaritham. Distributed and networked systems: design and performance evaluation of DCS using DCOM, CORBA and Tspace, W.J. Kang, et al; a real-time network manager for distributed imprecise computation, H. Kobayashi, et al; distributed client/server network control using web-based technologies, J.B. Liu, I.V. Motov; soap message structure for web-based distributed control systems, C.H. Lee, et al. Fault detection and diagnosis: multi-agent systems for model-based fault diagnosis, X. Ren, et al; intelligent fault diagnosis based on neurofuzzy networks for nonlinear dynamic systems, Y. Wang, et al; layered-integrated ANN diagnosis models and applications in remote diagnosis systems (H-S.. Li, et al; fault detection and isolation of systems with slowly time-varying faults using the optimal parity test, H. Jin et al. Advanced modelling and control design. multiobjective optimization approach to robust controller design; I. Griffin, et al; blending local models within a velocity-based multiple model network; S.C. McLoone, et al; H2 optimal computer control: polynomial toolbox, V. Kucera; the response surface methodology for real-time distributed simulation, P. Stewart, P.J. Flemming. Safety critical real time systems: adaptive concurrence control in safety critical real-time systems, H.F. Wedde, et al; devising a fault tolerant real-time program using program verification, G. Tsai, W.A. Halang; a fault tolerant and jitter free dual ring fieldbus system with GPS based time synchronization, T. Erdner, et al; application of the HAZAPS methodology to the safe design of computer-controlled pipeless plants, F. Mushtaq, P.W.H. Chung. Algorithms: use of surrogate pulse-response matrix for the UDCL, S.H. Lam; gate level implementation of high speed controllers and filters, R. Kasper, T. Reinemann; tracking variable periodic signals with variable sampling rate - frequency domain approach, Z. Cao, G. Ledwich; fast computation of time-frequency distributions using a parallel DSP-based system for signal analysis, F. Garcia-Nocetti, et al. Intelligent control with industrial applications (special session): an intelligent position and quality detection system in IC production, Q. Qi, et al; reinforcement adaptive fuzzy control for a class of nonlinear uncertain systems, Y.H. Kim, et al; neuro-fuzzy inverse dynamics control for flexible-link space robots, F.C. Sun, et al; a fuzzy dynamic uncertainty compensator for industrial robots, W. Chen, et al. Applications I: lift controllers by evolutionary algorithms, A. Rosa, et al; predictive function control based on multi-model for pH plant, Z-H. Zhang, S-Q. Wang. (Part contents).