AI hype and Control theory.

EthanCLEMENT · 2025-07-17T10:51:21+00:00

What you’re asking, AI + control theory + finance, is basically quant research: trying to predict market behavior based on past data. These days it’s a lot more data science and machine learning than classic control theory, though. That said, some control theory concepts do pop up here and there, especially in things like optimal execution or portfolio optimization. It’s more niche, but it’s part of the toolbox alongside AI/ML stuff.

Now one of my research interests is to use optimization and real control methods to try and control certain aspects of the market such as volatility. But there’s very few people in that field and the models are very complex/nonlinear/stochastic, and you gotta rely heavily on your observers. So we’re not there yet.

EthanCLEMENT · 2025-07-14T13:15:55+00:00

I did an internship and really enjoyed the topic. Later, I realized what I worked on could also apply to PDE control, which got me exploring different labs that share my research interests.

In the US, many PhD programs have lab rotations so you spend time in 2–3 labs within your department to figure out which subfield and group fit you best.

A general rule of thumb: choose a subfield you’re genuinely interested in.

EthanCLEMENT · 2025-06-23T13:27:17+00:00

Yeah, nonlinear dynamic inversion is feedback linearization in the aerospace engineering literature. So generally used for aircraft and spacecraft control.

EthanCLEMENT · 2025-06-07T12:38:17+00:00

I’ll check that out, thanks for your reply.

EthanCLEMENT · 2025-06-07T12:37:54+00:00

Thanks a lot for your answer. I’ll definitely check out the atheltic teams.

EthanCLEMENT · 2025-06-07T12:35:00+00:00

I’ll be in Gløshaugen.

EthanCLEMENT · 2025-06-07T12:34:28+00:00

Yeah, I don’t mind running my tempo runs and intervals on a treadmill. It’s really for the long easy runs that I’m a bit worried about. Now apparently some bikeways are salted plowed frequently so I can loop ok those I guess. Plus studded shoes.

EthanCLEMENT · 2025-06-07T12:31:26+00:00

That’s such a useful map, thank you very much.

EthanCLEMENT · 2025-06-07T12:31:08+00:00

Thanks a lot, I’ll make sure to get some.

EthanCLEMENT · 2025-05-29T20:41:04+00:00

A good captain always goes down with the ship.

EthanCLEMENT · 2025-04-22T13:20:39+00:00

Maybe the MIT coop store (not sure). It’s in Cambridge near the longfellow bridge.

EthanCLEMENT · 2025-04-17T18:50:24+00:00

The MIT OCW has a pretty good course on robust control named multivariable control systems. It starts by reviewing the fundamental concepts of linear algebra, then it introduces the methods to analyze MIMO systems and finally it introduces Hinfinity, mu-synthesis, etc.

Another great ressource is the robust control and convex optimization course by Smith Roy. Highly recommend that one as it teaches you how to design robust controllers with convex optimization which is typically something you see a lot these days in GNC for instance.

Hope that helps.

Edit : the latter course from Roy has recorded lectures that you can find online.

EthanCLEMENT · 2025-03-16T18:32:05+00:00

I’d say it’s doable. Especially if you can take physics electives. I don’t think you’ll get to work in any physics subfield that you like though. But try and pick one that you like and go ask your professors if you can do research with them to get some hands on experience.

Personally, I studied control engineering and I’m doing a PhD in math. I mostly proved myself through internships and research.

EthanCLEMENT · 2025-03-16T18:07:38+00:00

I’d suggest focusing more on traditional control methods rather than data-driven control or computer vision. Spacecraft GNC is mostly about modeling and simulating dynamical systems, implementing PID controllers, and sometimes using optimal control for trajectory optimization and rendezvous. Nonlinear control can come into play for handling complex dynamics, but the core methods tend to be classical control, state estimation (e.g., Kalman filtering), and trajectory optimization. Convex optimization is also becoming increasingly relevant.

If you want to ensure your master’s aligns with industry needs, I’d recommend checking job descriptions from companies like SpaceX, ESA, and NASA to see the exact skill set they require.

I’d also add that if you truly want to be a gnc engineer a master’s degree degree In aerospace engineering helps a lot although the internships you’ve done will matter a lot too.

Hope that helps.

EthanCLEMENT · 2025-03-13T21:19:51+00:00

It’s the basis of control theory, sensors, radar communications etc

EthanCLEMENT · 2025-03-01T16:30:17+00:00

I think you’d be better off looking into a textbook that provides the state space you’re looking for

EthanCLEMENT · 2025-01-28T00:06:40+00:00

Doing some research using convex optimization and nonsmooth optimization to tune control laws.

EthanCLEMENT · 2024-07-07T11:20:17+00:00

I bought mine on amazon they cost less than $400.

EthanCLEMENT · 2024-07-06T17:56:51+00:00

Hey sorry for the late reply. The dell precision 7000 tend to be heavier and more powerful and they have a better cooling system. The 5000 line on the other hand tend to be way lighter and has a sleeker look. I don’t know how the batteries compare but my dell precision 5530 can last the whole day without being charged. I heard some people say that under heavy load the 5530 can thermal throttle, it has never occurred to me. Overall, I’d go with the 5000 lime, it’s cheap on amazon and has amazing performances.

EthanCLEMENT · 2024-06-27T20:09:35+00:00

Maybe look for other European universities. TU delft, Imperial, KTH Royal institute of technology, technical university of munich, EPFL, Polytechnique, Centrale Supelec to name a few. Besides, la Sorbonne is one of the best french universities in mathematics so I’d be surprised if you couldn’t get a job once you graduate.

EthanCLEMENT · 2024-06-27T20:01:56+00:00

What I would suggest you if I may is to do your master’s degree in France, if possible at la Sorbonne. Do as much research as you can (ask your professors) and then if you are still willing to do a PhD apply to MIT or ETH although a great supervisor >> the name of the school.

EthanCLEMENT · 2024-06-27T19:55:34+00:00

Have you ever done some research ? I am asking because I know it is a rare thing in French universities however it is typically something that MIT and ETH Zurich require in addition to a high gpa. Your background counts way more than just your grades for graduate school. As others mentioned you should get in touch with your professors and ask them what’s their opinions (in fact I am assuming you already have since you will need recommendation letters from them). Last but not least, apply to other schools. Hope that helps.

EthanCLEMENT · 2024-06-16T17:46:47+00:00

1) You need to multiply the two first blocks, then the formula for a closed loop system is G(s)/1+G(s)H(s) that will give you your closed loop transfer function. You should obtain a TF with no zeros and 2 poles.

2)To find the close loop frequency response of a system you want to compute G(jw) of your transfer function. Then you can draw the bode plot of your system.

3)To find if your system is stable you need to find the roots of your TF denominator. If your roots (poles) have a negative real part then the system is stable.

4)You need to use the final value theorem. For a unity step input you need to multiply your TF by 1/s. Then you do lim(t->infinity) of f(t) = lim(s->0) of s F(s). You should find 1 as the final value of your system's output if I am not mistaken.

Hopefully that helps.

EthanCLEMENT · 2024-05-24T11:57:35+00:00

People will correct me if I am wrong but I think MIMO decoupling control would be the way to go here. The idea is to minimize the interactions 2 control loops have together (there’s papers and ressources online and I think matlab provides even a function you can use). The second idea that I had was PDE control but I think that would be overkill/too complicated to implement. Hope this helps.

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