Model Predictive Control — Status and Challenges

For the last 30 years the theory and technology of model predictive control (MPC) have been developed rapidly. However, facing the increasing requirements on the constrained optimization control arising from the rapid development of economy and society, the current MPC theory and technology is still faced with great challenges. In this paper, the development of MPC theory and industrial applications are briefly reviewed and the limitations of current MPC theory and technology are analyzed. The necessity to strengthen the MPC research with respect to enhancing its effectiveness, scientificness, and usability is pointed out. We briefly summarize recent developments and new trends in the area of MPC theoretical study and applications, and point out that the investigation of MPC for large scale systems, fast dynamic systems, low cost systems and nonlinear systems will be of significance for further development of MPC theory and broadening MPC application fields.